Millard North student killed on Halloween; Omaha police report spike in homicides
A Millard North High School student is the latest victim of gun violence in Omaha.Sevyn Bellar-White, 17, was shot and killed Friday night near 36th and Polk streets, according to the Omaha Police Department. It marks the city’s 21st homicide this year, compared to 19 at this time last year, with two months still left in 2025.UNO criminology professor Justin Nix said it’s important to consider broader trends in violent crime."Compared to where we were in 2020 and 2021, where we're having fewer homicides each year," Nix said. "So, and in the long view, we're still headed in the right direction."Omaha Police Officers Association President Patrick Dempsey said there were many witnesses at the scene."There was a big party. I'm sure there's multiple people there who knew what was going on, who seen what was going on," Dempsey said.Bellar-White’s family declined to appear on camera, but released a written statement:"My family is shocked and utterly devastated.Sevyn was my son and my best friend. We were a team. He loved football, lacrosse, and being a big brother. He had planned to study construction management at Iowa State after graduation. But his life and his dreams ended on Halloween night. My family respectfully asks for privacy as we concentrate on preparing funeral services befitting of the young man we surrounded with love from his first breath. Lastly, speaking from one parent to another, talk to your children. If you have any information, please get in touch with the Omaha Police Department. We will have no further comment until after Sevyn’s funeral. Thank you for your support and prayers." Millard North High School confirmed Bellar-White was a student and said a crisis team will be available for students on Tuesday. The district said its “hearts go out to his family.”The school’s varsity football coach said Bellar-White participated in the football program during his sophomore year, adding that while he never coached the teen, he “always treated me with great respect and kindness. Sevyn will be missed.” Omaha police said the investigation remains open and are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
