A 15-year-old boy who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the September 2022 shooting of another teenager has gone missing from his placement at Boys Town. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Wednesday seeking information on the whereabouts of Jonathan Salado-Lorenzo, who has been missing since December 31. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact their tip line at 402-444-6000 or the fugitive unit at 402-599-2634 during business hours.
Salado-Lorenzo was initially charged with first-degree murder, along with his cousin, Erik Juarez-Salado, in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Lenny Rodriguez at Hanscom Park in Omaha. Both boys were 13 at the time. Salado-Lorenzo later accepted a plea deal for reduced charges of manslaughter and unlawful possession of a handgun. His cousin pleaded guilty to reduced charges of accessory to first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a handgun. Under Nebraska law, children under 14 cannot be charged as adults, and both boys were placed under the jurisdiction of Juvenile Court until they turn 19.
The shooting occurred on September 28, 2022, after a gang-related feud between Rodriguez and Salado-Lorenzo developed on social media. Omaha police responded to reports of gunfire at Hanscom Park around 11:50 PM and found Rodriguez with a gunshot wound to the torso. Rodriguez, an eighth grader at Ralston Middle School, was taken to Nebraska Medical Center, where he later died.
Boys Town, where Salado-Lorenzo was placed, is a nonprofit organization providing residential care and services for children with severe behavioral challenges. Authorities continue to search for Salado-Lorenzo.
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