Thursday August 22, 2024
Mursal Jama, pictured here during his pilgrimage to Hajj last July, fulfilling a lifelong dream. (Photo supplied by family)
OMAHA, Neb. (HOL) — Mursal Jama, a 64-year-old Somali refugee known for his dedication to his family and community, was tragically killed in a violent carjacking in Omaha, leaving the community outraged and sparking a citywide debate on juvenile justice.
Jama, described by his family as a "devoted father" of ten children and a pillar in both the Omaha and Sioux City Somali communities, succumbed to gunshot wounds at Bergan Mercy Medical Center after being attacked by a group of juveniles.
Prosecutors report that the sequence of events began Tuesday night when a group of six youths approached two individuals attempting to take their car, ultimately fleeing with a wallet and some money. Hours later, Jama was sitting in his garage near 93rd and Cady streets when he was fatally shot in the stomach. He was attempting to fend off the teenagers during a carjacking after finishing his shift as an Uber driver. Omaha police swiftly initiated a chase that ended when the suspects, five juveniles aged between 11 and 17, crashed a black Kia stolen during the homicide near 46th and I streets.
Jill Iverson, a neighbour whose son's security camera captured the chilling scene, recounted hearing the gunshot: "You could hear the pop, and somebody yells, 'Did you shoot?' and then they get in the car, and they take off."
Iverson shared her concerns about the youth involved: "My first thought is where are their parents because when my son looked at the video he said mom these kids are like 10 or 11 years old, they're not that old." She also voiced her heightened fear for community safety, noting, "This isn't the first time our neighbourhood has been impacted by crime... I'll probably be really paranoid about it now."
The severity of the crime led to Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine's decision to charge three of the suspects—Trenton Titsworth-Hunt, 17, Talan Wilson, 16, and Joseph Keyes, 14—as adults. The charges include first-degree murder, multiple counts of robbery, and the use of a firearm to commit a felony.
Two other juveniles, 11 and 13 years old, also face murder charges. Due to their ages, the 13-year-old cannot be tried as an adult, and the 11-year-old is legally too young to be detained.
Kleine commented on the case's complexity and the disturbing involvement of very young individuals: "It's very sad and tragic and senseless. And you wonder, where is the family? Where are the parents?" His voice carried a mixture of dismay and concern, reflecting the community's shock at the youth of the suspects. "It also brings to the forefront the need for a critical examination of our juvenile justice system and its capacity to manage young offenders."
The 11-year-old was in juvenile court a few weeks ago for an unrelated gun crime and a car theft. According to Nebraska law, anyone under 12 cannot be detained, so he was released by a judge.
"It's very simple: catch and release," said Pat Dempsey, president of the Omaha Police Officers Association. "The judges let them go back home."
Jama's family said they want people to know they will forever be changed by the loss of their father. "For those who didn't know Mursal, he was the most hardworking, kind, and patient dad who did everything possible to create a better life for his kids," the social media post said. "He was born in Somalia and arrived in the United States in 2007 as a refugee to build a brighter future for his family."
Jama, his family said, was a key provider for his extended family in Somalia. He was also a prominent figure in Omaha's Somali and Muslim community, known for his extensive contributions towards building mosques and schools.
In reaction to the tragedy, the community has rallied together, organizing vigils and setting up a GoFundMe campaign to support Jama's family. "During this difficult time, we will be grateful if we could pull together as a community to help our family and dad," the family said. "This can be done through (prayer) and if possible, donations on his behalf."