A family’s Thanksgiving in Omaha ended in tragedy when 10-year-old Kendrick McDonald was shot at his home shortly after 11:30 p.m. on November 23, 2023. Kendrick, described as White/Caucasian, was found with a gunshot wound and transported to a nearby hospital by the Omaha Fire Department, where he later died.

Police arrested Kendrick’s father, 47-year-old Will McDonald, on charges that include criminal homicide, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He was booked into the Douglas County Jail without bail. Officers recovered a handgun at the scene and said other children were in the house at the time.

Investigators are examining whether the shooting was accidental; authorities say a car alarm may have sounded, prompting Will McDonald to go outside and that he may have mistaken his son for an intruder. The Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Will McDonald realized after firing that the person approaching was his son. Anyone with information about that night is asked to come forward.