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  • Mom Loses Son On Mother's Day Save Email Print
    "He was a kind guy and everybody loved him," says father
    Posted: 4:31 PM May 11, 2008
    Last Updated: 1:23 PM May 12, 2008
    Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

    A | A | A

    An Omaha family grieves over the loss of a son Sunday morning. Leroy Goodwin was shot by a police officer after Goodwin pointed a gun and fired at another man. Goodwin died a short time later. He was 21.

    "It's Mother's Day today and I was called this morning about quarter to four saying that he had been shot," said Goodwin’s mother, Betty Coleman. "I'm feeling a little bitter and anger, you know, I'm feeling for my son. I know he's gone, but…"

    "He was a kind guy and everybody loved him," says father Walter Goodwin.

    Dozens of people had gathered at a gas station at 30th and Ames when off-duty uniformed police officers working security say they saw Goodwin point and fire a gun into a group around 2:30 a.m., wounding 29-year-old Michael Moss.

    Officer Jarvis Duncan then shot Goodwin, who died a short time later at Creighton University Medical Center. Moss' injuries are not serious. His family tells Channel 6 News his condition has improved.

    There were a lot of witnesses, but none would agree to be interviewed or were willing to share much information. Those who were present say Goodwin was defending himself when he allegedly drew his gun.

    Chirah Henley was Goodwin's fiancee. She says when Goodwin didn't come home she knew something wasn't right, but she never imagined this. "He said he was coming back home and never came.”

    Just after 7 a.m., more than 50 of Goodwin's friends and family members came together at the gas station where the shootings took place.

    "All I know is there was a little confusion between him and some guys and shots were fired,” says Henley.

    People who were present described the scene as chaotic both before and after the shootings. This man is Goodwin's brother. "People trying to hurt him, all he could do was be a man and defend himself.”

    Goodwin's family tells Channel 6 News an autopsy is scheduled for Monday as the investigation into exactly what happened continues.

    A businessman is dealing with a tragedy on his doorstep. "You can never predict when a certain time or something is going to happen, but the biggest thing that we can keep security so everybody goes home safe," said Brian Newman, owner of the BP gas station in an area many consider the center of north Omaha, the corner of 30th and Ames.

    "Let's be honest, in a 24-hour situation this is the last spot in this area that's open. You might catch up with some old friends. It's more than just a gas station, it's more of a meeting spot."

    It's also part of the reason Newman hired overnight security. Newman says he's doing what he can to make it safe. He says he already pays over $13,000 a year to off-duty police officers to provide security and there's security cameras across the street and on the nearby McDonalds restaurant. A police precinct is a short distance away.

    Newman wonders what can done to make the streets safer. "Can we predict a shooting? No. I don't think nobody can predict that, nobody has a crystal ball. The best thing we can do is to try and make it better."

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    Posted by: joe on May 19, 2008 at 01:48 AM
    First, let me start out by saying I do not wish death on anyone. I should have explained my comment more. Diamond should not have used words like "yall" to prove a point. It make that statement look ignorant. My heart goes out to that young man and his family. He made a bad decision, but was still loved. I didn't think that that officer came to work wanting to shot someone. I am glad he was there to do something. The crime in that area needs to stop. Members of that community need to stop protecting the people that commit those crimes. If the community wants to continue protecting them, they have it coming. Crime will not stop.

    Posted by: lavern on May 15, 2008 at 04:54 PM
    joe in omaha you sound like you are very silly one less thug what does that saying really mean you can say what you like my brother was not a thug and even if he was i dont wish death on anyone because aint no coming back from that you didnt know my brother or the facts of the case the police have not told the public everything and trust me i know officer duncan very well and he would not say another thug off the streets he is feeling very bad about this and trust me he didnt want to have to kill a mothers child on mothers day he has twins himself so dont be so quick to think that just because he fired the shot that ended a so called thugs life that he is happy about that because that is futher from the truth my mother will lay her son to rest monday and all the bad things you great people in omaha have to say about my brother to rest also and the love that we have for little will still remain you guys will be far from our minds as we try to put the pieces of our family back together

    Posted by: Cornell Booth on May 15, 2008 at 03:38 PM
    JOE.You shouldnt be so judgemental. You dont even know how old diamond is. I'm not saying it's not his fault, but you could at least have some compassion for Diamond. Joe you should keep your stereotypical thoughts to yourself. FYI no one cares about perfect grammar on this web site. GROW UP little man.

    Posted by: Here on May 15, 2008 at 07:19 AM
    I agree with you Lavern you can only raise them until they are adults. Then they make the decision on how to run/ruin their lives. At that age you can't blame the parents. THEY ARE ADULTS MAKING ADULT DECISIONS. I too have lost 2 children, one by drowning and one gunned down in the streets by some gang banger because my son was the smallest in the group and he ran for his life but was chased. My son was not in this town. But a thug is a thug is a thug. My son wasn't. He worked everyday. Didn't rely on anyone. He was walking down the street. But I was told it was a gang member getting initiated into the gang. But of course he was an illegal that shot my son down. And yes I am white.

    Posted by: joe on May 15, 2008 at 03:35 AM
    Diamond, learn proper grammar. You know what I saying sister. Forsizzel. He made a bad decision. OPD protected the public. Thank you OPD. One less thug.

    Posted by: lavern on May 14, 2008 at 01:03 PM
    i dont know why i keep reading what some of you heartless people in omaha have to say about my brother leroy i watched him grow up and i know who my brother was and i could care less what you people say he was a thug one less crazy man off the streets i would think most people with any heart would have kind things to say about a mother who lost her son on mothers day my mom didnt deserve that she wasnt the one who was out at 2:30 in the morning shooting my mother and father were and still are good parents you guys dont know all the facts of this case and i dont have to explain it people can say what they want to say about him that is my brother aand i will miss him with all my heart i said it once and im a say it again he was not perfect and im not going to try to paint a picture of a person he was not but regardless of what the situation i feel for mr. moss mom also as well as my mom parents dont ever blame yourself we give our kids life tools they use them or they dont my brother didt

    Posted by: XYZ on May 14, 2008 at 12:26 PM
    Why are there so many "good" people "turning their lives around" and what are they turning around from?!?! I wish maybe they would look at the results of what hard work and education can produce -a fine police officer who was defending THEIR OWN STREETS. A true shame that he had to! Go to school, look for jobs, HELP your neighbors don't shoot at them.

    Posted by: Sven on May 14, 2008 at 10:00 AM
    Mr. Goodwin could have been a Saint before this happened. It doesn't matter now though. He will be remembered by most of this community as a coward and a "thug" for his last actions on this Earth. I honestly could care less about what kind of person he was. We wouldn't be here talking about him if he hadn't fired at what right now appears to be an unarmed indivdual and he himself was dealt with accordingly by police. Off-duty or not, they were still OPD, in their OPD uniforms, carrying their OPD sidearms, and are now on admistrative leave from OPD. So all those "rent-a-cop" comments can be put to rest also.

    Posted by: Missy on May 14, 2008 at 12:47 AM
    I really don't think the parents should be held accountable for their 21 year old adult son. As a parent, we can always love, but can only teach our children so much before they become more receptive to outside influences. Once they become an adult, it's up to them to make the right choices based upon what they have learned from you. Somewhere along the way, Mr. Goodwin decided to fulfill a certain kind of image that included carrying a gun (I'm not saying that this good or bad). Mr. Goodwin chose to be reckless with a gun & nearly took the life of another mother's son. Its just sad that this gun toting image is how Mr. Goodwin CHOSE to live & ultimately die. I feel sorry for the family that has to endure this loss.

    Posted by: damond on May 14, 2008 at 12:25 AM
    well this is his lil brother.. and he shoot back to save his life..so i would like it if yall would not say bad things about my brother. cause yall was not thier, if this was yall brother yall would not say nothing like that.. so put yall self in me shoes. cause i love my brother,and i would giver the world 4 my brother..SO KEEP YALL BAD COMMENTS SO YALL SELF

    Posted by: to lavern on May 13, 2008 at 11:32 PM
    I understand you're upset, but come on, "mixed up with the wrong people." Thats a broken record of every dead man from north O! And to say he was shot down like a dog? Are you kidding me? I'm gonna geuss your brother was NOT a sharpshooter, and probably would have wounded, if not killed, more innocent people than just Moss, if not for the courage of the officer who had to stop your brother from hurting/killing others. Please dont come on here and tell others to not judge when you yourself are judging OPD for being "tight lipped." They are handling this case just like any other homicide, and I'm sure that takes a lot of time. By the way, I would love to hear the truth to this question from you or one of your other family members....Did any of you, previous to when your brother was shot, know he was carrying a gun? And another thing, please dont tell us he wasnt gang-bangin....because the only people (thugs) I know that carry around guns to intentionally hurt/kill are bangin! THANKS OPD!

    Posted by: knowledge on May 13, 2008 at 10:33 PM
    i feel you 100% lavern and i feel your pain i just lost my aunt april 27th and it hurts and i know what its like to have someone like these heartless people to sit around and talk down on the deseased as if they knew him you cant judge a book by its cover just because the coffee say hot that dont mean it is so before you go and say he deserved what he got read up on your facts try living as a black person for one day and see what weve seen coming up and you will respond differently about our black community.

    Posted by: Fake Name on May 13, 2008 at 10:22 PM
    To cathy: You hit the nail right on the head. I completely agree with everything you said. STOP MAKING EXCUSES NORTH OMAHA! Those who fail didn't want success bad enough.

    Posted by: The Original Cop on May 13, 2008 at 10:21 PM
    Lavern- I truly feel for you and your family that are left behind. I'm glad you made something of yourself. You can be upset and sad and wish he were not dead etc., but you can't say he did not deserve to be shot at the time he was shot. There was no other way to resolve that situation by the officers and you seem to somewhat agree to that. Where is everyone getting this "fact" that the guy Leroy was shooting at was shooting at him first. That is not "fact". There is not other indication to my knowledge that Moss even had a gun let alone was shooting it. No other casings from any guns or shots besides the officer and Leroy. Stop buying in to what "the hood" is saying about what happened because those are not the facts. If Moss would have had a gun out and been shooting, the officers would have shot him too.

    Posted by: George on May 13, 2008 at 05:18 PM
    Just what does the fact that the shooting took place on Mothers' Day have to do with anything? These things take place when they take place without regard for common sense anyway. If LeRoy felt that he had to prove he was a man, he should have stayed home until he could control himself, as a REAL man would have.

    Posted by: lavern on May 13, 2008 at 04:40 PM
    this was my brother my mother and fathers sons for thse of you who didnt know my brother should not say things you know nothing about my brother was a good person just got mixed up with the wrong type of people and no matter what he did that is still somebodys brother, uncle and child my mother and father was great parents im 30 years old and i turned out great when you are grown you make your own choices he made his and i made mine i live on a 160th in west omaha do that make me diffrent we came from the same two parents so dont say anything about the way my parents raised my brother and i said it myself that is my brother and he is not perfect but a dog dont deserve to be shot down like he was and that fact is he was being shot at by that guy who shot him it still dont make it right i know the officer who shot my brother really well like i stated i dont blame him but i would like to know all the facts they are being tight lip so keep your name off my brother only god can judge him

    Posted by: Concerned on May 13, 2008 at 04:28 PM
    Goodwin made a choice to carry a LOADED GUN. Goodwin made a choice to shoot and attempt to MURDER someone. Whether he was picked on, bullied, or defending himself...he made a choice to carry a loaded gun and shoot and attempt to murder somebody. These types of choices always lead to these types of results. Please tell your children and young folk that. If they make different choices(positive choices) the outcome is going to be drastically different. The news is going to be different. The cops won't have shoot you! You don't have to die at the age of 21!

    Posted by: Ms.J on May 13, 2008 at 01:39 PM
    I'm sorry but, I thought that Mr. Newman was providing off duty police and cameras out of his own pocket? I don't but, it seems to me he doing what he can to keep us safe what would happen if he didn't have those officer avaliable? O yeah and I own an gun and yes I took the classes to recieve my concealed weapons liscense but, no I don't go out and shoot people either, ever person makes there own choices whats done is done now lets pick up the peices and fix it

    Posted by: White person on May 13, 2008 at 01:14 PM
    Laka, it's not only black men, it's alo white and brown men. Don't just blame one race. Just because a lot of the violence involves black men, not all of it does. Why can't people just be people and not put everyone into some kind of category.

    Posted by: wow, "Stop reporting these crimes" on May 13, 2008 at 06:40 AM
    These crimes need to be reported on. If they weren't it would just keep happening and know one would want to do anything about it. Also, your comparison of L.A., a city (as of 2006) of 9,948,081 people to Omaha, a city of about 427,872 there is absolutly no comparison. Some people need to think before they put comments on this website

    Posted by: Stop Repoting these Crimes on May 12, 2008 at 11:29 PM
    I think that the media needs to stop repoting these crimes. We have recently moved to Omaha from Los Angeles. Do these things happen there, yes. Do I have to see them every night on the news, no. I am so sick of hearing about these people in the same part of town getting riddled with bullets every night. Is it sad yes, tragic, perhaps. Is it news, NO. I am not suggesting that all news should be happy and uplifiting, but aren't there at least more interesting crimes than those commited in North Omaha.

    Posted by: k on May 12, 2008 at 11:14 PM
    Okay some of these comments make no sense, does it matter where he worked? so you're saying if someone has a full time job it's okay to carry a gun and shoot? I knew Leroy & yes he was a very nice person, people act like just because you carry a gun you have no type of feelings or life aside from that. & another thing, why are you all pointing fingers blaming others, he was 21 years old which would make him an ADULT, mothers can only do so much they can't hold their children's hand all throughout life, people make their own decisions regardless of how they were raised owner of the gas station can't be blamed because he is just that.. a business owner trying to run his business he should not have to reduce his hours because of situations like this because people will just crowd around at the next place & then people will start blaming that business owner & so on. People are so ignorant for all these unnecessary & harsh comments. Someone lost a life no matter the situation. RIP Leroy!

    Posted by: Annoyed on May 12, 2008 at 07:36 PM
    You know what's ridiculous? These kids learn their behavior from their parents. Any "kind guy" that I've ever met, does not carry a gun (no doubt for "protection") let alone pull it on someone. What is wrong with people in Omaha today? They have parents that believe they are "kind" when in fact, they are just the opposite. I feel for this woman because she lost her son on Mother's Day and I can imagine no greater pain. However, it's a little ridiculous that every time someone gets shot in north O, they classify the shooter and victim as a "kind person, who was just trying to do the right thing in life" or "they were really starting to turn their life around." Please. If any of that bull was true, we wouldn't have 5 shootings a day. I just think this is all so ridiculous. Teach your children right from wrong and how to own up to their mistakes.

    Posted by: cathy on May 12, 2008 at 06:54 PM
    If they want their lives to change, they need to stay in school and grow up. An education is there for anyone who wants one, including a college education. With grants and loans and determination, it can be done. You have to want something bad enough to get it. Stop blaming soceity for your lack of opportunities and education. Why do you suppose you do not hear of any of this needless violent and stupid acts happening any place else other than North Omaha? Stop looking for others for a way out of a mess you have created and do what you should have done to start with. There are jobs out there if you really want to work. People who have jobs don't have the time to hang out in the middle of the night causing trouble and shooting up the town.

    Posted by: Ex Owner on May 12, 2008 at 04:47 PM
    Our company sold our stores/gas stations in this neighborhood for exactly this reason. The crime on property both violent and theft was too much to deal with. It is sad that nothing has changed.

    Posted by: H on May 12, 2008 at 03:42 PM
    Let's not forget he was trying to kill someones elses son. I'm sorry, I didnt see in the story, where did this young man work again? What is his place of employment?? These people need to start focusing on actualy making a life instead of taking lives.

    Posted by: Laka on May 12, 2008 at 03:25 PM
    Until our young black people realize there is a consequence to every action taken no matter who you point the finger to we as a whole will continue to commit modern day genocide. Business owners lose, families lose a loved one and the good citizens of North Omaha lose all they worked for.

    Posted by: Dennis on May 12, 2008 at 03:01 PM
    Why does anyone in their right mind hang out in this neighorhood? A person can be a D- student in geography and know to stay away because of guns and violence. Seems like the news reports crime from a 4 block area over and over yet people still get shot.

    Posted by: g on May 12, 2008 at 02:50 PM
    What kinda mothers day was he giving to you if he was such a great person. Was he so great and well liked by everyone that he had to carry a gun and shoot someone and not to think that he would be shot back??? I'm just asking. Sounds like a terrific guy to me. Sorry Mom what goes around, comes around.

    Posted by: a on May 12, 2008 at 02:32 PM
    Why does the media always rush to put the dirtbags family in front of camera? I like the headline "family looks for answers". I can help them find the answers. Your family member pulled a gun, shot another person, and was then shot by the police. Now for the real answers. Your family member was a thug, criminal, was not "turning his life around", would have continued to commit crimes, had a mugshot posted by the news the same day. I'm sure the so called leaders of north omaha will hold more rallys, with 10 people showing up, and vow to try and stop the violence. They will blame others as always, society, the police, etc.. But dare they blame the parents of these dirtbags. Maybe the yard he grew up in had a high concentration of lead.

    Posted by: The Original Cop on May 12, 2008 at 02:32 PM
    SHANNON- I guess you should have stayed in school past the eighth grade. I think your comment had to be about the dumbest I've read in a while. He was carrying a weapon because of the conceal carry law? Really? So he passed all the background checks, attended the training class, and legally purchased a gun....Then, paying close attention to what he was taught in that class, he thought it would be a good idea to pull it out in a crowd of 50 people that the police had just maced, and start shooting it. I haven't gone through the class myself, but I'm willing to bet they teach people to not produce the weapon when in the presence of a police officer. Certainly don't start shooting at people when the cops are there. Seriously, get the GED, go to college, and perhaps pick up a book or newspaper sometime. Education can do you a lot of good.

    Posted by: Mom on May 12, 2008 at 02:24 PM
    What about the mother of the man Leroy Goodwin shot or does she not matter in this case because the police did not shot him? I am sick of people coming down on everyone else, IT WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED IF HE WOULD HAVE SHOT FIRST!! He didn't seem to care if it was Mother's Day or not when he attempted to end someone else's life. And, why was he not at home with his Mother on Mother's Day, instead he was shootin in a crowd of people. Actually, that is a lot of Mothers that could have had there day ruined. Think about that.

    Posted by: NorfO on May 12, 2008 at 01:51 PM
    Maybe I wasn't as clear as I should have been. We can't blame the station for this shooting. We can contribute a certain part of the confrontation to Newman's business being open. If it wasn't, these two wouldn't have likely chosen another area to argue. I can name half a dozen lots of CLOSED businesses within a few blocks that have zero problems at 0230. We need to place blame on the criminals, but not neglect that Newman continues to provide the venue for thugs to congregate after the bars close, and does so claiming to provide a last-stop Dorito and Swisher Sweet stand.

    Posted by: Dan on May 12, 2008 at 01:49 PM
    This isn't about a young man carrying a gun. It is about why there was a public gathering at 0230. All the entertainment in Omaha closes at 0100.Maybe a curfew should be set in Omaha that bans large gatherings in public places after 0130. People need to get real and realize that many guns are being carried illegally in Omaha.Look up public records and find how many people have been jailed for concealing a weapon. That charge is just a slap on the wrist. Thug life and crime will continue to thrive in Omaha. Omaha is a big little city. What needs to be done is harsher sentences. Douglas county jails are a revolving door for many criminals. I've seen juveniles get away with burglary and robbery. I've seen people literally get away with murder. This is the issue at hand.

    Posted by: Big O Born & Raised on May 12, 2008 at 01:47 PM
    This article & it's comments are depressing & a shame from many aspects: a young man lost his life; a mother lost a son on Mother's day; rent-a-cops (even if they are off-duty OPD) feel the need to exert themselves & kill another even thought he posed no threat to them; witnesses do not have the guts to come forward to clear up the details of the events leading up to & including the shootings; guns are so easy to get on the street in the first place. The hours of an establishment have nothing to do with crime! Culture has NOTHING to do with Crime! Crime is crime, & is committed by CRIMINALS, & happens in ALL races, backgrounds, & neighborhoods. Generalizing hurts us ALL! Seemingly good people raised in good homes by BOTH parents DO make bad decisions! STOP blamming parents! Nebraska's concealed weapon's law was & IS wrong AND should be repealed! Metro cops should solve ALL Metro crimes, & get the guns & drugs off our streets! It's NOT about money, it's about PRIDE! Be careful out there!

    Posted by: S on May 12, 2008 at 01:34 PM
    You all should be ashamed. There are two women who lost there children on Mother's Day. Elvira.. who are you talking about? How bout you keep your racist crap to yourself? Uneducated? God bless these boys families and friends.

    Posted by: J on May 12, 2008 at 01:20 PM
    His mother is "feeling a little bitter and anger" - at WHOM? She should be mad as hell at her son or herself. What would she be feeling if her son had killed the man that he shot?

    Posted by: Rich on May 12, 2008 at 01:12 PM
    When people start accepting responsibility for their own actions or the actions of their children, then things will change. Until then they will always blame anybody and everybody for their problems and their actions. If the parents would have taught them self control and discipline they might be alive today and maybe even curing cancer. Good luck North O.

    Posted by: J on May 12, 2008 at 12:33 PM
    1) A few months ago, there was a shooting at the Village Inn at 72nd & Ames in the early a.m. hours. Writers to this forum said that Village Inn shouldn't be open overnight, as it attracted the wrong crowd. "LeRoy" pointed out that he gets off his shift right around then and he needs a place to go. It's not his fault/North O's fault that some bad elements are going farther west. I shut up. He had a point - where do 2nd & 3rd shift people go? 2) Now, the same people on this forum are saying that THIS gas station should stay open? Even though the people in North O say it should close earlier? Shouldn't we listen to the people who live there? 3) The reports say that Mr. Goodwin WAS a nice person, went to LA, came home to help his mom, ran into some problems. Does it make you people feel better to call his mother names or call her parenting into question, now that her son is dead? Even the officer that shot him feels bad. Can't you show some Christian charity?

    Posted by: Sheila on May 12, 2008 at 12:21 PM
    How about a different headline: "Son gets himself killed on Mother's Day" Isn't that a bit more accurate?

    Posted by: JR on May 12, 2008 at 12:15 PM
    Gotta love it when the cops are blamed. They try to interview all the people there about what happened.....no one says anything or is very helpful. I don't care what anyone says, if he was defending himself or not.....you pull a gun in a crowd and fire, don't expect the cops to ask questions and then take action. "excuse me mister, why are you firing into that crowd of people? oh you are defending yourself, it's ok then." More cops on the street won't help curb the violance. The community needs to take a stand and start turning in the friends, brothers, sisters, and other family members that are causing the violence. Until the community takes this stand and says no more, this will continue.....

    Posted by: Ty on May 12, 2008 at 12:01 PM
    To all that have expressed concerns on the situations and for those that have said mean and hateful words. STATE YOUR REAL NAME AND STOP BEING COWARDS.****TRUST YOUR DAY WILL COME AND ITS SAD THAT HIS DAY CAME BEFORE YOURS OR YOUR MOM OR YOUR DAD OR LITTLE SISTER. I AM SURE YOUR MOM THINKS YOU ARE GOOD PEOPLE TOO, BUT WE ALL HAVE OUR DEMONS. SO I WISH YOU ALL WELL AND FOR FUTURE REFERENCE RIP AND GOD FORBID THAT YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW DIE AN UNTIMELY DEATH. IT MUST BE NICE TO BE SO PERFECT. STOP TALKING AND DO SOMETHING OR SHUT UP.

    Posted by: con on May 12, 2008 at 11:54 AM
    Why should the owner be made to close their doors earlier? The violence not their fault. If they did close their doors earlier in the day..we would have people screaming how this area of town is not supported by business'. If I were the store owner--I would tell you all to take a flying leap and move the store completely out of the area. Why would I want service idiots like this?

    Posted by: Terry on May 12, 2008 at 11:45 AM
    Thank you Alesia for saying what you said. I know how hard it is to be the voice of reason. Yet another young life gone and people running their mouths with negative comments, but yet not willing to step up and tell what happened or try and stop the violence.

    Posted by: A Mom of Many on May 12, 2008 at 11:43 AM
    To a Mom posted 12 May 0838. I don't think she taught her son that either. People stop blaming the parents, these kids are doing what they are doing and we can't do a thing about it as long as no one with step up and say what really happened. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Let alone mother of a young man that was bout to start a new life with someone. Until you have been there you have no idea what it is like.

    Posted by: mom on May 12, 2008 at 11:28 AM
    How about it if WOWT does a story on the real mothers in this story? The wife and mother of these brave officrs???? Perhaps seeing who made them who they are will help those mothers of all these "victims" see what they did wrong along the way. Thank you officers!!!!

    Posted by: Jack N on May 12, 2008 at 10:47 AM
    he shouldnt have been shooting others, that isnt very kind of him!

    Posted by: thom on May 12, 2008 at 10:44 AM
    Such a good boy indeed- and everyone liked him, I bet the guy he was shooting at did not like him.

    Posted by: Logic on May 12, 2008 at 10:41 AM
    That station should probaly close early from now on.

    Posted by: Elvira on May 12, 2008 at 10:39 AM
    No empathy and no sympathy. And, we do not have to accept your violent culture.

    Posted by: B on May 12, 2008 at 10:36 AM
    "NorfO" and Shannon, you two take the cake. Blaming the business owner for this guy getting shot? I wish you all would pull your heads out of your backside and take responsibiity for your own actions. It's always someone elses fault. Well, you can't blame race on this because it was a black officer doing the shooting, don't blame the business owner, they would have just gathered someplace else. Don't blame society because there are jobs out there if you spend time looking and not hanging out in a parking lot at 2:00 am. If he was such a great boy, he would've been planning something for mothers day. Nice present he gave his mom huh? I feel bad for his families loss, but society gains by having another threat taken off of the street. Thanks OPD for keeping us safe. I'm sorry the officer had to pull the trigger, but am glad he did his job. God Bless.

    Posted by: Richard on May 12, 2008 at 10:30 AM
    C'mon people, this guy was 120% thug and his "parents" saying he was a "nice" guy and his dad "People trying to hurt him, all he could do was be a man and defend himself". GIVE ME A BREAK!! also, why are there this many people at a gas station of all places at this time of morning!?? Nothing but worthless punks and losers. GET A JOB!! Nothing good happens at this time of morning. And why is this gas station letting all these people hang out there at this time of morning?! If you ask me, this area is nothing but poor trash and the city needs to come in and "clean house"!

    Posted by: Krissy on May 12, 2008 at 09:56 AM
    Don't blame the store. JMW dont be blamin society on us! honestly! i wouldnt blame it on the parents either. society itself trasformed this mess. its hard livin these days. jobs are hard to find, everythin is expensive, ppl are poor. when ur poor u do things to survive, thats why gangs start, "family". it doesnt matter if he was a thug or not. i find it stupid that everyone is saying "we need change" but those same ppl turn around and say "if they want it to get better they will do it". stop blaming it on sumone! blame it on urself, u arent doin anythin except argue who's fault it is and dis on the ppl it happened to.

    Posted by: J on May 12, 2008 at 09:29 AM
    Shannon - don't even start to question the nebraska conceal and carry law. This is not the same thing. That does not give this kid (who I can almost say with 100% assurance) did NOT have all of the required training or classes or permits to be able to carry this gun in his pocket or waistband. Secondly, carrying the gun and pulling it out and shooting at people are completely different situations. He could have carried it without a problem, but he pulled it out and shot at someone. Don't begin to blame the lawmakers of our state for some dumb kids mistake.

    Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 09:29 AM
    Sad to lose a child no matter what. BUT, what was he doing there? Why was a 21 year old carrying a gun? And remember, YOU DO NOT POINT A GUN AT SOMEONE WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES! Rent a clue people. He should have been HOME with his family not catting about late at night where trouble always walks with those out late at night!

    Posted by: Tracy on May 12, 2008 at 09:26 AM
    You know - I've seen a few gas stations in other places in Omaha that were open all night. I've always been thankful for the convenience - not condemning of the business owner for trying to run a successful business. How it could POSSIBLY be his fault that this idiot chose to first CARRY a gun, and then pull it out and shoot into the crowd, is beyond me. If he was such a man, maybe he should have gone home, where "defending himself" wouldn't have been a problem. Oh - and then he'd have been there for his mom on mother's day. Sorry - good riddance to another thug. Thanks to the officer who made a choice to SAVE the lives of the 29 or so other people standing around, who this idiot had complete and total disregard for. Good thing he was so loving to others.

    Posted by: D on May 12, 2008 at 09:12 AM
    A business has every right to stay open as long as they want. What is not alright is the losers and bilge they attract. The station should have had the officers clear these people off his property as loiters instead of hoping someone might buy something if they are loitering.

    Posted by: shc on May 12, 2008 at 09:12 AM
    Shannon, here are the facts: 21yr old kid points gun to kill another and police shoot and kill gunman. There are your facts. Plain and simple. And shame on all of you that just stand there and don't give statements and keep your mouths shut. How stupid. One day when you kill each other off someone will finally talk. I would put my last dollar this kid did not have a gun permit. Wake up North Omaha stop running like a bunch of chickens, stand up for yourselves, talk to the police, get these creeps off your streets.

    Posted by: I know how to spell. on May 12, 2008 at 09:12 AM
    God bless this family.

    Posted by: brian on May 12, 2008 at 09:01 AM
    if you want to find trouble, 30th/Ames at 0230 on a weekend w/ a weapon should be a good way to find it. no one, regardless, gets any sympathy from me on something as stupid as this.

    Posted by: Colorblind on May 12, 2008 at 08:51 AM
    So, the last time there was an incident where an OPD officer had to shoot and kill a "young black man" suspect, who had a gun pointed at someone, in N. Omaha, everyone came out of the woodwork to give their version of the events, even people who weren't there. In that situation, their story was that it was a WHITE officer simply being trigger happy and shooting a "young black man" for no good reason. You know, those WHITE officers just drive around N. Omaha looking to shoot and kill "young black men" who are trying to "turn their life around". What's different about this situation?..Oh wait...the officer involved here was black.....Never mind....

    Posted by: A Mom on May 12, 2008 at 08:38 AM
    I'm a mother of son's approximately the same age as Mr. Goodwin. While I empathize with Mr. Goodwin's mother, I can't help but wonder what lessons this young man was taught as a child. Never did I ever instruct my sons that it was acceptable to carry a weapon to defend themselves. This is not a racial issue, nor is this a socioeconomic issue. It's simply an issue of poor parenting and an upbringing that takes a person back to the days of old wild west. If you let a child fend for themselves, this lawlessness is bound to happen. Guess what outlaws, the sheriff is back in town and we are all sick of hearing your sad tales. Moms: If you don't want your kids to become thugs...be a mom and PARENT your children.

    Posted by: w on May 12, 2008 at 08:36 AM
    It is a shame people think that being a man means using a gun.

    Posted by: Sommer on May 12, 2008 at 08:09 AM
    I Fully AGREE with "NORFO" we all know that gas station are the hang out spots on the weekend. (30th Ames) The owner should close a little bit earlier.How is the owner making any money when he got a group of people hanging out of front of his store at 2am?

    Posted by: Kudos on May 12, 2008 at 08:07 AM
    Thank you OPD!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by: Alesia on May 12, 2008 at 07:24 AM
    People, when I say this kid was a great kid he really was! He attended Bellevue East with my daughters,this kid was very very, nice but he was shy and very reserved most aggressive kids took advantage of his meekness, I believe he was scared and tired of getting mistreated,live in his shoes for oneday and you would understand!He was not at all a trouble maker,I believe he had to arm himself because thats really the way it is in North Omaha....I will miss this kid !!!

    Posted by: mike odonnell on May 12, 2008 at 07:14 AM
    Ernie.....where are you?

    Posted by: Jailer on May 12, 2008 at 06:09 AM
    If he would not have gotten shot, he would have ended up in jail for something, like...shooting another person?! What is a (kind guy that everybody loved) 21 year old doing running around in the middle of the night with a loaded gun? Lonely Mothers day indeed. Mother you should have given him a good spanking when he was younger a couple of times telling him this is no way to behave, then he would have been there on this Mother day thanking her for being alive and well.

    Posted by: Maurice on May 12, 2008 at 04:58 AM
    Live by the sword DIE by the sword ! Oh I'll bet you a million dollars he didn't have a permit.neither did anyone else there that had a gun.

    Posted by: Last Mistake on May 12, 2008 at 03:00 AM
    She didn't "lose" him, he forfeited his own life when he packed that gun illegally and then committed a violent felony with it. He won't do that again.

    Posted by: ron on May 12, 2008 at 02:10 AM
    Shame on the business for being open and providing a wage for a employee to support his family and allowing people to leave their house to go buy things they may run out of or need in the middle of the night. Another case of placing blame on everyone else but where it should be, I sure hope I never run into anyone this kind, guess he was killed with kindness huh

    Posted by: rob on May 12, 2008 at 02:03 AM
    "There were a lot of witnesses, but none would agree to be interviewed or were willing to share much information". Nothing more to say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by: Fake Name on May 12, 2008 at 01:54 AM
    To SHANNON: If he actually had a license to carry a concealed weapon, I'd be shocked! I think you're either uneducated or misinformed about how that law works. Regardless of if was a thug or not, he fired into a crowd of people and had to have his birth certificate nullified by police. That alone is enough for me to classify him as a thug and therefore worthless to society. By the way, I think your 'Caps' was locked.

    Posted by: omg on May 12, 2008 at 01:11 AM
    What can be done to make the streets safer? Let the police do what they did here. Let's be realistic here, do you really think he had a permit to carry a weapon? Do you really think that he just carries one in case he needs it? Do you really think his mother could have done anything to stop this? This MAN was 21 years old.. unbelievable!!! And on mothers day... excuse me.. what the hell difference does it make what day it was? He shot at someone else, of course someone needed to step in before there was a whole crowd of people hurt. It is too bad that she has lost her son, but at the same time with all that has happened lately with numerous people being killed, with just one down, I think this was what needed to happen. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO STAND THERE AND SHOOT A GUN AT SOMEONE. IF HE WOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT, HE WOULD BE HERE. This is what is wrong with this world. ALl these "good people" are getting away with killing others. STOP THE MADNESS!!!

    Posted by: To SHANNON on May 12, 2008 at 12:02 AM
    Do you know for sure he was licenced to carry a concealed weapon? Just because Nebraska passed a law that says you can carry a concealed weapon doesn't mean you automatically can, just because you want to! You must be licenced to do so. The way this man fired a weapon into a crowd of people, putting inocent people in danger, I doubt he went to the manditory training classes and was licenced.

    Posted by: E on May 11, 2008 at 11:52 PM
    COME ON!!! Take some responsibility instead of trying to get you 5 seconds of fame!! Your son was a thug! Was was a drain on the city and out tax money! He just suddenly had a gun? In the wrong place at the wrong time? RIGHT!!!! What happened was justice served!!! Saved us the money of supporting him in jail!!!!

    Posted by: Rose on May 11, 2008 at 11:45 PM
    Why does a 21 year old kid need a guy? Did he worry about possibly killing people in the crowd he fired at? The officer was doing his job, protecting people. Some officers are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Don't blame the officers for your lack of control.

    Posted by: larsen on May 11, 2008 at 11:23 PM
    you shoot people-people shoot you.

    Posted by: Jessica on May 11, 2008 at 11:21 PM
    My heart goes out to the family of this young man. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Posted by: T on May 11, 2008 at 11:13 PM
    Once again how was it the parents fault? she could of raised him as a loving kid but then something happened and this was the end result!! It is unfortunate and I feel sorry for all involved!!Maybe it is everyone's fault that judge to quickly!!

    Posted by: S on May 11, 2008 at 11:10 PM
    If there aren't any stores open this late, then you want to blame the rest of Omaha for not providing any opportunities in North O, but when one is open, you want to blame that store owner for taking a gamble on providing a resource? Just sounds like complaining without taking ownership.

    Posted by: Here on May 11, 2008 at 10:31 PM
    OK another good boy off the street. It is the same story with every death. He is a good boy. C'mon find something else to say. Just come out and say he was a thug, that carried a gun and he paid the price. Not so tough now, is he? Good going OPD. They did their job and very well done. Kudos to the officer that took the slime ball off the streets.

    Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 10:21 PM
    The victims brother says "People trying to hurt him, all he could do was be a man and defend himself.”....Shooting into a crowd of people, I'm sorry, that's not being a man AT ALL!

    Posted by: Dave on May 11, 2008 at 10:20 PM
    I understand no mother,no matter how bad their kid is,is always going to think their child is the best..anyother mother who thinks or says differently..needs help,its instinct. That being said,he was not a very good person on this day..and Mothers Day of all days. He trully did not have the respect for his mother she thought he did!

    Posted by: Mel on May 11, 2008 at 10:18 PM
    NorfO - are you nuts? the guy was doing all he could afford to do to keep people safe. What are you thinking to say those things?

    Posted by: J on May 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
    Actually, I agree with NorfO. How many people would pull into that station and buy gas at 2:30 in the morning with 50 - 60 people hanging around, doing nothing, because it's a "meeting spot"? Given the problems this location has had in the past, requiring the attention of on-site security and OPD 9-1-1 calls (do take the time to scan the newspaper for the past year for other such incidents), how much money has Mr. Newman netted? Can't be enough to justify what Omaha taxpayers have paid out, or what Mr. Goodwin's mother has paid. Or Mr. Moss's mother. I don't live in North O, so if someone from that area expresses an opinion on a spot that causes trouble and how to cut down on the trouble, I think the rest of us should pay attention, rather than castigate or ignore the suggestion.

    Posted by: Laura on May 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
    Whatever happened to settling disagreements with your fists? I'm not promoting fighting but you pull a gun and are ready to pull the trigger over an argument?! A bullet is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. And if cops are there and you don't drop it, you're a dead man. Cops ARE NOT trained to "shoot to maim", they will drop you like a bad habit. As well they should...fortunately no officers were maimed or killed in this melee. I'm sorry she lost her son on mother's Day, but then again, I spent a day and a half with MY mom and she got a call tonight from my brother and his family. Of course, none of us live in "NorfO". So I guess I just don't understand.

    Posted by: RM on May 11, 2008 at 09:42 PM
    If it was a bar the city would have it shut down because of the violence that goes on there. Why should this be any different.

    Posted by: Gary on May 11, 2008 at 09:17 PM
    21 is pretty young to be pointing a gun and firing into a group of people. how is the man LeRoy shot? NO let's not talk about that. Just face it. As parents you failed to teach your son about right and wrong. Now we all suffer. It's wrong to have a gun and fire it into a group of people. Bad Parents like you deserve zero sympathy.

    Posted by: D on May 11, 2008 at 08:52 PM
    I hope the anger and bitterness she feels is at her son with the gun murdering others. What does Michael Moss mother feel getting a call that her son was shot?

    Posted by: SHANNON on May 11, 2008 at 08:41 PM
    DID YOU THAT NEBRASKA JUST PASSED A LAW THAT YOU CAN CARRY A WEAPON...THAT'S WHY HE WAS CARRYING A WEAPON DID YOU THIMK ABOUT THAT ANONYMOUS..AND THIS MAN WAS NOT A THUG WAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY SO BEFORE YOU START TALKING STUFF MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE FACTS.

    Posted by: jmw on May 11, 2008 at 08:37 PM
    To Mary O,You said it like it is. Parents are to be held accountable for the actions of their children that are turning the society into a war zone.

    Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 07:58 PM
    If he was raised a "kind" person why was he carrying a loaded gun. I wouldn't feel to bad that's another thug off the streets!!!!!

    Posted by: Mary O. on May 11, 2008 at 07:41 PM
    All of the kind people that everybody loves that I know don't carry guns with intent to kill. Just once I'd like parents to say, "This is my fault... I should have done better." Sorry to sound so cold, but this behavior has been going on in North O for 20 years. TWENTY YEARS... when are parents going to stop saying, "Not my kid"?

    Posted by: Kevin on May 11, 2008 at 07:15 PM
    NorfO...You are super in pointing blame on the owner of the dwelling from trying to run a business and make a dollar and provide jobs to the area. I do not understand your logic and reasons. By the way, what was the 21 year old doing with a gun at that hour of the morning?? Did he have a permit or did he have motive for robbery or was he going to make a hit? NorfO, you need to pull you head out and find something else to pick on..

    Posted by: Cathy on May 11, 2008 at 06:52 PM
    How can someone blame the business for being open? The business being open did not make that young man point that gun and fire it. He did that on his own. Trying to find someone else to blame will do nothing to solve the problem of violence on the streets of this city. This young man sealed his fate by choosing to carry and use a firearm. I'm sorry for the family's loss, but when they look for someone to blame, they need look no further than their son's feet. That business nor the owner made that young man do this. I am glad the police were there. Imagine who else could have been hurt or killed if this person had not been stopped. I'm sure they will try and blame the officers, but they were doing what they were hired to do. Protect and serve the community. That young man did not appear to care if he injured or hurt anyone.

    Posted by: jmw on May 11, 2008 at 06:33 PM
    I think this "kind guy that everyone loved" is just another wanta be that has been taken off our streets. Maybe if OPD gets enough support, they can rid us of this criminals. What kind of upbringing did Mama and Papa give this young man?

    Posted by: Will on May 11, 2008 at 06:00 PM
    Posted by North "O". He says shut the place down. Did he stop and think that it may be a Black Man running the station trying to make a living for his family? Also how many Black Employees does he have making a living for there families. Think this out. If this guy was such a nice fellow why was he there and carrying a gun.

    Posted by: hmmm on May 11, 2008 at 05:27 PM
    This man was a "kind guy that everyone loved" yet he is the sort of man who would point and shoot a gun at a group of people. Sir, I mean no disrespect and I am sorry for your loss, but if this man was a kind person, I would hate to encounter a evil person. I want to thank OPD for (permanently) taking another criminal off the streets.

    Posted by: Essie on May 11, 2008 at 05:21 PM
    While I feel bad this kid's mother found out he died on Mother's Day, let's be honest ... what kind of a "kind guy" that "everybody loves" would fire a gun into a crowd of people? Oh wait, there's extenuating circumstances that we're not being told about, right? Puleez FOLKS!

    Posted by: NorfO on May 11, 2008 at 05:12 PM
    Brian Newman, you might not be able to predict when a shooting will happen. By having your store open 24/7, you certainly invite trouble to your door, and stuff your pockets in the process. You need to shut down earlier, free up other on-duty cops (that respond nightly to your "meeting place") to patrol the neighborhoods, and save yourself $13K. Some of the blood is on your hands, leech.

    Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 04:48 PM
    Maybe if he wasn't pointing a gun at someone else, he'd be here today to celebrate mothers day with you.

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