James B. ’Jimmy’ Wilson Jr. was 24 when he was fatally shot on the evening of August 20, 1995, during a traffic stop in Omaha. According to the case account, Wilson radioed in a van with fictitious plates and was attacked before he could exit his cruiser. Two occupants of the van ran out near 40th and Blondo and opened fire with an AK-47 rifle and a 9 mm pistol, striking Wilson while he sat belted in with his microphone in hand.

The suspects were described as teens and young adults, ranging from 14 to 20 years old. Within months, Kevin L. Allen was tried, convicted by a Douglas County jury of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony, and sentenced to life in prison with a consecutive term for the weapons count. The Nebraska Supreme Court affirmed the conviction on direct appeal, and later post-conviction challenges by Allen were rejected, with the courts finding the evidence supported the jury’s verdict and that alleged investigative misconduct did not undermine the case.

Anyone who knew Officer Wilson, the scene at 40th and Blondo that night, or who has information relevant to the attack is asked to come forward.