Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

(COLUMBUS, Neb.) — The Columbus Police Department is continuing to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday evening in the Walmart parking lot.

Here is the scanner traffic shared by our friends at Platte Valley Media:

• 6:25PM – Nebraska State Patrol all units be advised there has been a shooting at Walmart. The suspect vehicle took off southbound on E 6th Ave unknown if they went west or east on Highway 30 in a newer red Murano.
• 6:30PM – PD is requesting NSP to check Country View Estates for the suspect vehicle.
• 6:39PM – Subject is in custody.

At approximately 6:20 p.m. May 27, 2025, officers from the Columbus Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the Walmart parking lot at 818 E. 23rd St.

“Upon arrival, officers located a male victim lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Officers immediately rendered aid until Columbus Fire Department medics arrived on scene,” CPD Capt. Doug Molczyk said.

The victim was identified as Anhil David Mirabal Hernandez, 42, of Columbus. He was transported to Columbus Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Shortly after the incident, the suspect, identified as Manuel Alejandro Mesa Cabrera, 25, turned himself in at the Columbus Police Department. During the course of the investigation, it was determined Hernandez was Cabrera’s stepfather.

Cabrera was arrested and booked into the Platte County Detention Facility on charges of First-Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm to Commit a Felony.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 402-564-3201.