Rebecka Lightner, 37, was shot and killed in her Omaha, Nebraska, apartment in the early morning hours of January 3, 2025. Calls about gunfire near 71st Street and Jones Circle brought officers to the scene, and investigators found Lightner fatally shot inside one of the units.

Police say a man matching caller descriptions was found nearby and allegedly fired two shots at an officer’s cruiser. During a foot pursuit, an officer fired at the suspect but did not hit him; the man surrendered and was taken into custody. He was identified as 39-year-old Brandon Brewer, and officers recovered a handgun at the scene.

Brewer was arrested on charges including criminal homicide, two counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. A judge ordered him held without bond. Court records mention a 2010 motor vehicle homicide conviction for which Brewer served time.

Does anyone have information about Rebecka’s movements that night or about the events around 71st and Jones Circle?