Beating Suspect Says He's Innocent

Save

Troy Bruno charged with felony assault in park attack
Posted: 4:03 PM May 25, 2008
Last Updated: 11:47 PM May 27, 2008
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

63 comments

A | A | A

A bat, a chain, clubs and knives were all used this past weekend in two brutal, but unrelated beatings in Omaha. A suspect in one of the attacks told Channel 6 News Tuesday he was defending a family member.

Twenty-five-year-old Richard Fordyce told police several people attacked him in Gallagher Park near 52nd and Maple just before 4 a.m. Sunday.

Four people were arrested. Three face felony assault charges, including 18-year-old Troy Bruno of Fort Calhoun. “I apologize for how it went down,” said Bruno at the Douglas County Jail. “I'm sorry it happened. That's all I can say."

Bruno says he and his 15-year-old cousin had just left a graduation party. As they walked through Gallagher Park, Bruno says he was just protecting his family. "I don't know who started it, but my position is I was protecting my cousin 'cause I saw my cousin pinned down on the ground by a 26-year-old and I wasn't going to let that happen.”

Bruno admits to striking Fordyce with a stick to free his cousin, but Bruno says it was his cousin's three friends who are responsible for what happened next, stabbing and beating Fordyce, leaving him barely clinging to life. "I didn't even know there was a knife involved or a stabbing at all. We left and it just went crazy from there."

Initially, doctors did not expect Fordyce to survive. He had surgery at Creighton University Medical Center and was listed in critical condition on Sunday. The hospital is not releasing his current condition. Police say they are usually notified if a victim's condition deteriorates, so they believe he is improving.

"I apologize to his family," says Bruno. "I feel for him. I'm sorry for it, but at the same token I ain't going to let a 15-year-old cousin get beat up by a 26-year-old."

On his MySpace page, friends have started wishing Fordyce well. One friend saying I'm sorry those guys did that to you. Bruno says "those guys" should not include him.

Bruno says he never saw any of the weapons allegedly used, which according to police included chains, clubs and knives.

Another attack happened early Monday morning at apartments near 30th and Burt where 20-year-old Buna Wurok of Bellevue was badly beaten with a baseball bat and nearly died. No arrests have been made.

These two incidents got Channel 6 News Crimetracker wondering how often this crime occurs in your neighborhood. In May, Crimetracker found nine similar crimes of random assaults all around the metro.

More Stories
Park East Store Burglarized

Protection Order Violations

Family Mourns Loss Of Loved One

Man Critically Wounded by Gunfire in South Omaha

Gun Violation Found On MySpace

Fire at Omaha Apartment Complex Blamed on Electrical Problem

Ralston Celebrates Independence Day

Holiday Weekend Fireworks Displays

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: anonymous on Jun 9, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Jenny-I am a relative of Troy Bruno and he has no little sister. I don't know who you are but quit acting like you are family and sticking up for him. Most people in his family are absolutely sickened by this whole event and want nothing to do with him. As for him claiming to be some big gangsta, what a joke! On his myspace he claims he is a "south o boy". He lived in bellevue until he was about 6 years old then moved to fort calhoun. I would love to see him survive in the projects or down on 24th and Ames. I think it is funny how he acts so big and tough and plays off his "gangsta lifestyle" but then he is on the local news crying like a baby! Real tough!

Posted by: Jenny on Jun 8, 2008 at 02:48 AM
I'm troy's baby sister and I'm not going to read through these five pages of comments nor am I looking for any of you to take my said. If troy says he's innocent he's innocent...he wouldn't lie even if telling the truth put him in prison for a long time...he wouldn't beat the hell out of some man for no apparent reason but if you saw someone forcing your cousin to the ground you'd do the same thing...and as for the weapons...i can promise you he didn't know about them...Troy's not the type to fight dirty and he'd never let someone else do it if he knew about it...he may be a young adult but he's not dumb contrary to what you all think...

Posted by: Friend of Richard on Jun 3, 2008 at 10:33 PM
The juveniles should have not been out at 4am no matter who they were with. Their intentions were to injure someone if they were carrying chains, clubs and a very large knife. Mr. Troy Boy needs to put away in jail for a long time. No one deserves to be injured so severely and left for dead. A 25 year old has every right to be out at that hour, how could he have protected himself from those kids? If Richard makes it through this, I hope he can live a healthy life after what he's been through. Troy's parents should be held responsible in some way too. What's a Fort Calhoun kid doing in Omaha anyway?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 3, 2008 at 09:34 PM
it so stupid you people judge troy like you know him personally. he was backing up his cousin and stuff got outta hand why punish troy for other people mistakes. gratned they wereall in the wrong why bring them all down?

Posted by: parent on May 30, 2008 at 09:29 AM
If every man would sweep his own door-step the city would soon be clean.

Posted by: Lori on May 29, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Ed is right, city parks are supposedly "closed" from 11 pm to 6 am. This includes parks inside the city as well as ones on the outlying areas, such as Lake Cunningham and Standing Bear. Problem is, there's really no way to keep people OUT during those hours...no gates, no fences, no security. And with all OPD has to do they might get lucky if they get a partol car through a park ONCE per shift. The point is, the parks ARE supposed to be off-limits after a certain time but everyone (including these thugs and others) ignore it.

Posted by: M on May 29, 2008 at 12:06 PM
He is quilty, read up above, he admits it. All he needs to do is hire James Martin Davis and he wont even have to apoligize. He is very lucky that him and his little cousin and "friends" didn't do this to someone armed, then it be a whole different story. Whacha gonna do if Richard's family decides to protect him?

Posted by: Kari on May 29, 2008 at 11:03 AM
To the person who said I was wrong and that it takes TWO parents to raise a child properly. In a perfect world yes that's true but in today's situation I know MANY single moms and dads who are raising great kids. I know kids from TWO parent households that are in trouble frequently. Reality is you cannot force someone to be a parent but as a society we can NO longer afford to turn and look the other way. Reach out and stop saying it's not mine so it's not my problem. It's hard but it CAN be done.

Posted by: Kari on May 29, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Everyone, I agree that parents are the first line of defense but let's be real for many different reasons many families are fractured. You CAN reach out to children in need through many, many organizations and mentoring programs. Many of these programs struggle to find people to fill the roles. Everyone wants to blame someone and again I am not excusing what Troy did. However I am sick of people sitting on the sidelines and pointing fingers. Don't complain get up and DO something. Tired of the fatherless children reach out to a fatherless child and be an influence. Omaha is full of apathy about youth issues and look where it is getting us....shootings every weekend!

Posted by: Chris on May 29, 2008 at 09:37 AM
A ganster from Fort Calhoun? That's funny. Hey Bruno, go hang out on 40th Ave or Spencer Projects. See how that works out for you. You've watched Menace To Society and Boyz in the Hood too many times.

Posted by: ANON on May 28, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Go Patti!!!!! Lets hold the Fathers responsible. If we can find them. In the meantime lets let the punishment fit the crime.

Posted by: look closer on May 28, 2008 at 06:11 PM
check out his myspace, he sure knows how to play the media, i can't believe people believe him, of course he's going play the media

Posted by: Single Mom on May 28, 2008 at 04:40 PM
I jus have to say that Richard hardly looks like the type of guy that could hurt anyone! And how come these other kids had chain and clubs and knives if they werent out lookin for trouble!! HES SOOO INNOCENT!!!! WOW!! GET REAL!!!

Posted by: Laura on May 28, 2008 at 03:28 PM
I dont get why a suspect that is in prison was interviewed. That was giving him a unfair advantage over the poor victim. I hate when the news media only cares about themselves and the top story so they do something low like that. After that interview people might think hes a good guy, hes innocent. he is not

Posted by: ed on May 28, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Being out at 4am is not a crime. Being in a city park that closes at 11pm until 6am is.

Posted by: Patti on May 28, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I also grew up in South Omaha under very strict parenting. So many ask where are the parents? A better question might be where are the fathers? Have we all forgotten how many fatherless children are being raised Omaha? Why aren't the father's being held accountable for the children they produce? I'm guessing the crime rate for single parent children is pretty high. Maybe we should start there.

Posted by: Kelly on May 28, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Evidently we need to start making sure where our kids are at. You have to be one step ahead of them and they are sneaky and some evil now days. If these "kids" are so innocent then how did they have the items to harm someone without bringing them with. Had they been drinking at the party - no one's saying whether or not drugs or alcohol were involved. They were stupid and so they became deadly. No-one deserves to be beat so that they almost die. What reason could be so good that they would be excused? The one kid was just defending his 15 year old cousin - what did the cousin do in order to need defending? Why can't people just worry about themselves and leave other people alone. If you want to hurt someone - hurt yourself and leave the rest of us alone.

Posted by: Laura on May 28, 2008 at 01:45 PM
These sounds like really good kids who just haven't been given a good spin in the media. Give me a break, they were 15-18 year kids in a park at 4:00 carrying chains, clubs, and knives. If they were carrying them out of concern for their safety there at that hour, maybe that's their sign that they shouldn't have been there.

Posted by: anaon~ on May 28, 2008 at 01:36 PM
This kid REALLY needs a good lawyer.

Posted by: J on May 28, 2008 at 01:14 PM
As re the "village" thing: when I was growing up in South O in the 60's, if I or my sibs messed up, the neighbors or teachers told me about it. Then I caught it at home, from my *single* mother. These days? I work with schoolchildren, as I have posted before. I am part of today's "village", active in church, Scouts, Little League. You know what? If I speak directly to a child about misbehavior, I get a parent's wrath, because it's not "my place". "How dare you . . " "You don't know . . ." "Poor little Milquetoast's self-esteem . . ." and so forth. If I wave to a child, the parents hustle the child away - for fear of stranger/danger. How can the "village" reach out to the child these days? And letting the parents do "all the work" doesn't seem to be producing good manners in our youth. Many activities do not equal good parenting. Parents aren't doing the work - they're subcontracting via activities - and then refusing to let the subcontractors do their jobs. My 2 cents.

Posted by: Rather not say on May 28, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Again, why were you in the park at 4am? I assume it was a high school graduation party. What parents allow a party to go on all night long. It should have ended earlier.

Posted by: Biff on May 28, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Kari - the parents need to take the first step. Have you taken a look around the "village" lately? It can only do so much, and if you include the entertainment industry and the media, forget about it. Have YOU tried talking to a parent about their kids? I have - forget about that option, too. Their "little angels" can do no wrong! Parents can't ditch their responsibilities and expect others to pick up the slack. Some of us are busy raising our kids in a manner that better ensures our kids don't end up in jail, in a hospital bed or in a morgue. We can't raise everyone's kids!

Posted by: w on May 28, 2008 at 09:57 AM
all the punks that want to beat on each other should be put in gladiator matchs in the new stadium.

Posted by: Derek on May 28, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Why do people ask "what was he doing out at 4am?" I am sorry people but this is America, land of the free, home of the brave. Now I am not saying this particular person wasn't an idiot. But if I want to be out at 4am and go grocery shopping, I should be able to go out without being judged for my actions. The real question shouldn't be why he was out that late, but why was he was committing a crime. I am not old enough to remember the 50's, 60's, and 70's but I have watched enough movies and talked to enough older people to know that the same people that are saying "why was he out so late" did the same thing when they were younger. Also, Beth, there is no national curfew. Curfew are set by some states and many cities, but there is no federal curfew mandating people of any age not be out. A national curfew can come into effect during a national emergency such as a nuclear strike or something of that nature.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 28, 2008 at 08:59 AM
first of all 4am for a 15 16 and 18 year old just spells trouble. 2nd the hosts of the party should have ended it long before 4am. where were they walking to Home or out looking for trouble.

Posted by: Kris on May 28, 2008 at 08:53 AM
So Kari and "Anonymous (first of all..)" seem to be saying that now it is society's fault that Troy and three minors allegedly beat a man nearly to death? Because none of the townspeople waved to him, eh? Awwwww... boo-hoo. "sure he steals and does other things that are bad", but never a "crime this big". Not until now, at least! So it's not his fault, not his parents' fault... it's the fault of strangers on the street who don't "reach out" to him. Your attitude of "just don't get caught" is appalling, and your idea that imposing a curfew will precipitate "teen riots" is ridiculous and juvenile, "Anonymous". How old are you? 13? Many communities do already have curfew laws, without any Watts-style riots, even! That would have given the police the jurisdiction to arrest the minors, at least. Most parks have posted hours, though, and the police should be able to at least clear people of any age out, after those hours. We'll find out at the trial, what the truth is about Troy.

Posted by: A Parent on May 28, 2008 at 08:47 AM
To Kari, you are wrong; it takes TWO PARENTS to raise a child, not a village. I can tell you for sure my children are not allowed out that late and I sure as heck can expect myself and any other parent to know where they are at all times. That is my job as a parent given to me by God. It makes me sick that people have such disrespect for others. The whole taking a village to raise children is the reason these kids are the way they are. Parents think that the world can raise their kids but letting kids be worldly is the worst thing you can do for them. I pray this man will recover and the people who did this to him will change their ways.

Posted by: SA on May 28, 2008 at 08:44 AM
First off it is not a crime when you are 25 to be out at 4am. Maybe he had just came from his girlfriends house. Maybe he was at the bar till 1am and was being responsible by not driving and walking home. It is however against the law to be 15 and out walking around at 4am it's just not enforced. Charge them with attempted murder and make them pay for this all of them that thought it was cool to stab and beat a man. Lastly, yes Memorial Park does have a curfew it is posted at the entrance of the parks and yes there is a 12 midnight law on kids under 19 being out after 12am. Let Ol Big in prison show these punks what happens when the lights are out.

Posted by: S on May 28, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I am sure he is not guilty, just like everyone else when they get arrested. At least when he goes to jail he can find God.

Posted by: lin on May 28, 2008 at 08:14 AM
ok listen lindsey, my parents were right there along with me they forgive me for it and everything else but still irregardless if it was intentental or not for the attack that this kid did even if it was after a graduation party as said still he should of got a ride home instead of walking and causing trouble. still where are the parents in this situation and whose out at 4am after a graduation party... in my perspective if this was MY kid id tell them 2 b straight home after the graduation party and a graduation party should only last somewhat during the day and if at nite have parental supervision would be the smart and wise thing to do

Posted by: Anonymous on May 28, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Hey Alli, you're probably the first one to whine and complain if you get pulled over for a traffic ticket from them worthless cops but you want everybody else to be perfect angels. I want to know who you're comparing OPD to, if you think Omaha has a lousy police force you need to get out in the world to see what other cities have to offer. There are alot of cities that this wouldn't have even made the news. When you say "they" don't forget that you're talking about yourself, you live here also.

Posted by: Kari on May 28, 2008 at 12:02 AM
I have read the comments of people asking about the parents of Troy. I ask them what did you do to reach out to him. To just look at him as another gangster and turn the other way is no solution. I have interacted with him multiple times and he was just not out to cause trouble. Did he ever do anything to your children or do you just not like the way he looked? Lots of kids out here have been in trouble some of them ones people sit and cheer for from the school stands. I don't excuse what he did no matter what the reason. My point is to not just blame and judge but make an attempt to reach out to our troubled youth. It takes a village to raise a child not just a set of parents.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 11:34 PM
first of all.....the two fort calhoun people who said that troy walks around in his "gang bang" attire and starts trouble all the time, and you keep him away from his kids. "GET A CLUE". troy isn't any worse than any of the fort calhoun ppl. have any of you ever tried to wave or talk to him...PRlly not because yr all judging him off of wat you heard from other ppl. and from his parents. i've known troy the past five years and i've never seen him or heard about him committing a crime this big. sure he steals and does other things that are bad, but i bet half of the people who left comments have kids who do the same thing. just dont get caught. and as for the whole park curfew thing "smart idea" teen city riots in omaha nebraska that will make us look real good on national television. and as for all the comments that say where are these kids parents and all that dumb stuff. THIS IS REAL WORLD, PARENTS SHOULD BUT CAN'T WATCH ALL THERE KIDS. AND AS FOR BEING OUT, TROY IS 18, AND THE MINORS?

Posted by: Iwanttoknow on May 27, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Still the question remains. What was Fordyce doing at Gallagher Park, alone and at 4am ???

Posted by: Lynda on May 27, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Give me a break all who speak negatively about the victims! They were clearly on their way home from a graduation party! The boys and men who did this to him...and I use the term "men" lightly...clearly they are cowards trying to make others believe they are tough guys! Let them rot in jail forever but first beat them the same way they did Fordyce! Now what tough guys!

Posted by: Lindsey on May 27, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Lin....you know nothing yet. You think because you are a teen and you know teens you know what your talking about. Anyway, what right do you have questioning why he was out at 4 am, he is 25 and you are 18 and have already been pregnant, where the hell were your parents.

Posted by: Lola on May 27, 2008 at 04:10 PM
I agree with Mark i have seen him also just wandering the streets of Fort Calhoun just waiting to cause trouble. I hope he stays in jail for a long time. I don't understand his parents and why they just let him go wander? He scares me and i tell my kids when they are at the park if he ever comes near you and bothers you to run to a house until he leaves. How sad that he has beat another person to almost death! Keep him in jail

Posted by: alli on May 27, 2008 at 02:05 PM
lol OPD they are not going to enact a thing... they probably have a hotline where you can leave your name and number and a civilian calls you back in 36 hours to take a report.... for this being one of the highest tax paying cities and state we have lousey Police department and city personnel i tell you i hope omaha does not grow any larger they will really loose it

Posted by: Mark on May 27, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I have seen the 18 year old walking the streets of Fort Calhoun at all hours of the day and night, has for a long time, with his gang banger attire. Been in trouble several times out here over the past couple of years. Too bad that some parents care so little for their kids that they don't wonder where they are and what they are doing. I ask the same question as eveyone else. Where are the parents?

Posted by: lin on May 27, 2008 at 12:26 PM
ok reva first off why was your brother out there at 4 am you never know he might of suspected a beating if he was starting stuff but seriously parents im almost 18 years old i know how life is i know how teenagers work i will admit i was pregnant but lost the kid ok get a clue on life here kids will be kids its life its part of growing up but seriously watch your kids watch who they hang out with know what they're doing check in on em or have em check in with you its a crazy and somewhat unsafe world out there! GROW UP PARENTS WATCH YOUR KIDS!!

Posted by: Ryan on May 27, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Uhm, Beth? Please cite this "National Curfew". Also, please explain what right the Valley PD has to enforce federal law. Why are so many people here clamoring for a police state? Do you want curfews, checkpoints, travel papers, and Gestapo? Please, move to China if you want to live that way.

Posted by: reva on May 27, 2008 at 12:11 AM
he was my borther and i think the guys that did this to him should get life in prison over this ..who choose to try and take someone life ..they r very wrong for what they did my brother is a sweet and very nice guy and wouldnt do anything to hurt anyone

Posted by: shanon on May 26, 2008 at 08:20 PM
why arnt the parks closed aswell and if they are closed that should be first on the lists of the patroling going on by the police on their shift in the dead of the night expecially now that summer is here.This town and the crimes in the parks alone over the resent days,weeks,months and years needs its own task force for these alone.

Posted by: Marie on May 26, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Yeah, I agree with what most of you are saying. I'm sorry this poor guy got beat so severely, but why would you be alone, in a park, at 4am???? What was HE doing? Obviously none of them should have been there, especially the minors. I live near Albright Park in So O and there are times people are hanging out down there way after 10pm - not like they can't be seen from the main road! I doubt if very many are even aware of a curfew, it's not posted anywhere. Maybe that would be a start? People need to be reminded of curfews in general, I think Bellevue has one for minors as well, but not sure about Omaha. Send out the mounted patrols!!!

Posted by: The Original Cop on May 26, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Hey BJ- We don't enact curfews!!!! That has to be passed my the city council and signed by the mayor. Once it's in place we'll be happy to enforce it.

Posted by: mark on May 26, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Like I told my kids.....the only people out at 4 a.m. are cops and bad guys.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 26, 2008 at 01:18 PM
national curfew? what kind of crap is that.OPD cannot enforce that law since the city has no curfew.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 26, 2008 at 12:08 PM
why would u be at a park at 4 in the morning sad people treat people with no respect

Posted by: Beth on May 26, 2008 at 08:39 AM
There is a national curfew of midnight, Omaha Police do not act on it..why? Maybe they can not catch them all. A few years ago my daughter who was 16 was stopped and held by Valley Police because of the midnight curfew. They called me and all I could tell them that my daughter was suppose to be at her friend's home and sleeping over. Boy, I had her sent home and tried my best to have the punishment fit the crime. No car and the girls that she was caught with she could not be around for 6 months except at school. My daughter told me that she'd die I laughed and told her to think what she really did. That I'd miss her if something happened to her and love her with all of my heart. She did not do this again. THANK GOD

Posted by: Closing Time on May 26, 2008 at 06:44 AM
Do city parks in Omaha have any closing time, or are they 24/7?

Posted by: Bill on May 26, 2008 at 05:18 AM
The Mayor is ignorant to the crime problem in this town. Soon, Omaha will be known as "Crime City" and no one will want to visit. I am surprised the NCAA didn't add the stipulation that the crime rate is to go down or else they will pull the CWS out of town. Mayor Fahey, you had better start worrying about getting the crime rate taken care of. That is more important than making a legacy.

Posted by: John on May 26, 2008 at 01:55 AM
We need a curfiew. That park has been a problem for years. One question, what was he doing in the park. I think this was planed.

Posted by: Mary O. on May 26, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Why is anyone in a park at 4:00 a.m? Also, parents!!! Do you know where your kids are at 4:00 a.m? If they aren't at home or at a friend's house with parents present and you aren't concerned, you are part of the problem as to why today's kids are out of control. Be a parent or let someone who cares take over that responsiblity. My prayers are with all of you, especially Richard.

Posted by: larsen on May 25, 2008 at 10:09 PM
drive through memorial park any night...at least 30-40 kids smoking weed in plain view with many others through the park...it must be legal up there.

Posted by: Your Neighbor on May 25, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Why was anyone in the park at that time of the morning? The parents of these kids should be jailed. If you can't keep your kids in then put an alarm in your house and you will know when one tries to get out. It works, trust me......Was the man out trolling or what??????

Posted by: BJ on May 25, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Curfiew time OPD>> Enact it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ANON on May 25, 2008 at 09:31 PM
What did he do to deserve that?

Posted by: mTm on May 25, 2008 at 08:49 PM
N. "O" back to normal.. Again where are the PARENTS... Get a clue North "O" - Parents watch your kids and have some personal responsibility and accountability.

Posted by: dizzleB on May 25, 2008 at 07:57 PM
so ummm yeah WHAT???? what in the hell was he doing in the park at 4 in the morning and why were there juveniles out at that time hello where were the parents at. Hey I got it now lets blame the police for not being there. Let make the city come up with a park patrol unit with bikes and 4-wheelers and how about a tank to cover all the park areas. Lets look at the police and shame them for not being there, grow up people because you know somebody is going to put that on here.

Posted by: Jean on May 25, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Another story about kids being out at this hour...some people should not be parents. Where are the rules? No wonder kids are having kids...what else is there to do at 4am with no rules....drink, beat up people, make babies. Nice.

Posted by: amanda on May 25, 2008 at 07:42 PM
exactly......why are people in the park at 4:00 AM???

Posted by: to ttt on May 25, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Commiting crimes. That is all they are doing.

Posted by: ttt on May 25, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Why are people in the park at 4 a.m.?