A tragic domestic violence incident in Lincoln, Nebraska, resulted in the death of 21-year-old Michelle Gonzalez, who was fatally shot just hours after filing a protection order against her alleged abuser. The Lincoln Police Department reported that Gonzalez had sought legal protection from 28-year-old Ibrahim Alhamadani earlier in the day, but the order had not yet been served at the time of the attack.
Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance call around 12:30 p.m. in a residential neighborhood. Witnesses told police they saw Gonzalez being struck by a black vehicle. Two women intervened, helping Gonzalez into their car to get her to safety. However, Alhamadani followed them, crashing his vehicle into theirs, which sent both cars spinning.
Alhamadani then exited his vehicle, approached Gonzalez’s side of the car, and opened fire. He shot Gonzalez multiple times, striking her in the head, chest, and abdomen before turning the gun on himself. Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow stated that first responders found Alhamadani deceased at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Gonzalez was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died that evening.
Earlier that morning, Gonzalez had reported an assault by Alhamadani, stating in her protection order that he had beaten her with a pistol while intoxicated. The order, which was approved, also listed two other recent incidents of domestic violence. However, authorities were unable to serve the order before the fatal encounter.
Police are still investigating the brief window of time between when Gonzalez was last known to be safe and the moment she was attacked. Lincoln Police Chief Morrow noted that the time gap was likely less than two hours, during which a safety plan had been created for Gonzalez. It remains unclear how she and Alhamadani came into contact before the shooting.
The case underscores the dangers of domestic violence and the challenges victims face even after seeking legal protection. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
