Waw Gach

Do you know who murdered Waw Gach?
Waw Gach was a gifted athlete and a beloved member of his family, who had come to the United States from Sudan seeking a better life. An 18-year-old Black man, Waw was known for his prowess in track and field and football. While attending Denison-Schleswig High School in Iowa for his junior year, he became a star high jumper, qualifying for the state track meet where he placed fourth with a jump of 6 feet, 7 inches. His personal best was a leap of 6 feet, 8 inches, which led the state of Iowa that season. His former football team remembered him with a call for thoughts and prayers for his friends and family. Loved ones recalled him as kind-hearted, charismatic, and very funny.

On the evening of Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Waw was at a large gathering of about 100 people at Benson Park in Omaha, Nebraska. Despite a local health directive limiting gatherings to ten people due to the ongoing pandemic, many had come to the park for a barbecue. Police had been called to the park twice earlier in the evening to break up large groups, once for people playing basketball and another for a gathering of 40 people at a pavilion. Around 9:30 p.m., an altercation broke out in the south parking lot at 7002 Military Avenue, stemming from a property damage car accident. Witnesses described two people getting out of a vehicle and opening fire. Waw, who had witnessed the crash and the ensuing disturbance, was shot as he attempted to intervene and stop the shooter.

Police were dispatched to the scene at 9:38 p.m. and found three people in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. Waw was critically injured and rushed to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy, where he tragically died from his injuries. A witness who rendered first aid before police arrived said Waw was bleeding from the head. Two other young women were also injured in the shooting: 19-year-old Nyanpal Tut and a 16-year-old girl. Both were taken to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. In the immediate aftermath, Omaha's mayor announced the closure of all city parks until the end of the month.

The Omaha Police Department’s Homicide Unit launched an investigation into Waw's death. Detectives appealed to the public for help, asking anyone with information, photos, or videos from the park that night to come forward. Investigators later announced they were searching for a suspect vehicle, described as a dark green SUV from the mid- to late-1990s. However, the case has grown cold, and no arrests have been made.

Waw's murder has had a profound impact on Omaha's South Sudanese community, which is the largest in the United States outside of South Sudan. His family has spoken about the pain of losing him and the fear that has gripped their community. Waw's cousin, Jang Puol, was also shot and killed in Omaha in November 2021. Waw's mother, Nyachal Reat, expressed her overwhelming grief, stating, "Not only my son get killed, so many kids get killed. My nephew get killed in the park... I know all the mothers, they have the pain, very painful." Community leaders have pointed to a cultural mistrust of law enforcement as a barrier to solving cases like Waw's, noting that young people had warned of potential violence before the shooting but that the information was not acted upon.

In May 2023, leaders from the South Sudanese New Community in Omaha began working more closely with the Omaha Police Department to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement, hoping to prevent future violence and build trust. They aim to educate their community about the role of American police and encourage cooperation to solve crimes.

The homicide of Waw Gach remains unsolved. His case is listed as an open cold case by the Omaha Police Department. The family continues to seek justice and answers in his death. Omaha Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at (402) 444-STOP, submit a tip online at omahacrimestoppers.org, or use the P3 Tips mobile app.