Police Seek Answers After Teen Shot Outside South Omaha Halloween Party Thursday Night
South Omaha, Nebraska — Police are continuing their search for the person responsible for the tragic shooting that claimed the life of 17-year-old Sevyn Bellar-White late Thursday night outside a home where a Halloween party was underway. The incident has left a close-knit community shaken and a family desperate for justice.
According to the Omaha Police Department, officers were called to the scene shortly after reports of a disturbance and possible gunfire in a South Omaha neighborhood. When they arrived, they found Sevyn Bellar-White lying unresponsive outside the residence. Witnesses say he had been standing near the front of the property when shots rang out.
First responders immediately began life-saving measures at the scene, working quickly to stabilize the young victim. Paramedics then transported Sevyn to a nearby hospital, where doctors continued efforts to save him. Despite their attempts, the injuries were too severe, and Sevyn was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit swiftly secured the area, cordoning off the street and nearby yards with yellow police tape. Crime scene investigators worked through the night, collecting shell casings, canvassing for witnesses, and reviewing footage from surrounding security cameras. Neighbors described a chaotic and emotional scene, as partygoers who had been celebrating Halloween only moments before watched from behind the tape, many in tears and disbelief.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting happened outside the residence hosting a large Halloween gathering attended by several young people. Early witness statements suggest that an argument or confrontation may have preceded the gunfire, though investigators have not yet determined what led to the violence.
As of Saturday, police have not identified any suspects, made any arrests, or confirmed a motive. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, stressing the importance of community cooperation. Tips can be directed to 402-444-5656 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP (7867).
For Sevyn’s family, friends, and teachers, the lack of answers compounds the grief of losing someone so full of promise. Those who knew him describe Sevyn as bright, driven, and kind-hearted—a young man who had dreams for the future and a smile that made everyone around him feel welcome. His classmates have begun placing candles, flowers, and handwritten notes near the scene, creating a growing memorial in his honor.
“He didn’t deserve this,” said one of Sevyn’s close friends, standing near the memorial. “He was always the one checking on others, always joking, always positive. This shouldn’t have happened.”
School counselors have been made available for students struggling to process the loss. Local organizations are also calling for community unity, encouraging residents to share information that could help solve the case and bring closure to Sevyn’s grieving family.
As investigators continue piecing together the events of that night, the city of Omaha mourns another young life cut short. For now, the question remains painfully unanswered — who pulled the trigger, and why?