Nyandeng Chol Dies After Lincoln Shooting as Tyler Benzel Faces First-Degree Murder Charge

 A Tuesday evening in Lincoln, Nebraska, ended with the death of 19-year-old Nyandeng Chol, also known as Brianna, after a shooting that began near a reported disturbance involving juveniles. Lincoln police found Chol suffering from a single gunshot wound near 46th Street and Madison Avenue, where officers provided life-saving treatment before she was taken to a hospital. She later died from her injuries. The shooting brought an immediate police response.

The incident began while officers were in the area of 47th Street and Cleveland Avenue responding to a report of a disturbance. Several juveniles reportedly ran when police arrived, while officers remained behind to speak with people at the scene. During that interaction, officers heard a gunshot and responded toward the nearby area, where they found Chol injured. The sequence brought an immediate emergency response as officers worked to locate the person who had been shot. Officers quickly shifted toward Chol.

According to investigators, the shooting followed a verbal and physical altercation involving Chol, Tyler Benzel’s wife, and other individuals. Police said Benzel later approached the group, told them to leave, and made verbal threats before firing a firearm. Authorities also said the shooting occurred away from Benzel’s residence. These details describe the circumstances provided by investigators, while the case remains subject to the legal process and further investigation. The investigation continued after the shooting.

Police identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. Lancaster County Jail records show that Benzel is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Chol’s death. The charge represents the accusation filed in the case, while the available information does not provide additional details about court proceedings, evidence presented in court, or a final legal determination. Those distinctions remain important as the case moves forward. The case remains under legal review.

After the shooting, officers recovered a 9mm handgun in connection with the investigation. Police said forensic testing is still required to determine whether that recovered firearm was used in the shooting. The distinction leaves an important investigative question unresolved, even though authorities have identified a suspect and filed a murder charge. Further forensic findings could provide additional information about the weapon and its connection to the fatal incident. Forensic results remain pending.

Police also said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived. His wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the incident, according to authorities. The available account does not provide further information about her involvement beyond the description of the earlier altercation, and it does not include additional details about the other individuals who were present. Investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the case proceeds. Authorities continue reviewing available evidence.

For those affected by Chol’s death, the confirmed account centers on a 19-year-old woman whose life ended after a single gunshot wound. The information provided identifies her as Nyandeng Chol, also known as Brianna, and records the emergency response that followed the shooting. Officers administered life-saving treatment before she was transported to a hospital, but she later died from her injuries. The available report does not provide further details about her family, background, or personal life. Investigators are still establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The investigation and criminal case now continue beyond the initial response in Lincoln. Authorities have identified a suspect, documented the first-degree murder charge, recovered a 9mm handgun, and noted that forensic testing remains necessary to establish whether it was the weapon used. As the case develops, the available facts will remain subject to further investigative and legal proceedings surrounding the death of Nyandeng Chol. The investigation remains active for now.