LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The man who shot and killed another man in Branched Oak Lake in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison Thursday.

Judge Jodi Nelson convicted Taban Rik, 24, of the second-degree murder of a 42-year-old person. Benjamin J. Casowho was shot twice on a boat on July 19, 2022.

Rik’s attorney, Dave Tarrell, acknowledged the seriousness of the crime, but appealed to the judge for a sentence that could one day allow Rik’s release.

“The difficult but necessary part of this is that it hurts,” Tarrell said. “It hurts to finally see all the pain you caused, the destruction you brought to this world, the life you took to finally learn this lesson you should have learned a long time ago.”

He then appealed to the judge saying that Rik had worked hard to learn and had made promises to do better, “…true vows that he will keep for the rest of his days, whether in prison, or at least hopefully, outside.” on parole one day.”

Prosecutor Charlie Byrd emphasized the impact of the crime on the victim’s family, saying: “It took away a father, a son, an uncle, a brother and a friend. And it caused LaNorma Case to experience a parent’s worst nightmare.”

Before delivering her ruling, Judge Nelson reflected on the tragedy of the case. “This case is tragic in every way,” he said. “All we have to do is look around us and recognize the tragedy and pain this has caused. When considering a sentence, I must consider all legal factors under Nebraska law. It will be you (Rik) and your actions in the future that may at some point create an opportunity for your release from prison. But I’m not going to create that opportunity today.”

Rik pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of second-degree murder in a plea agreement on July 11, which dismissed one count of first-degree murder and five other charges.

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