Tragic Thanksgiving Night Shooting Results in the Death of 10-Year-Old Son
In a devastating incident on Thanksgiving night, Will H. McDonald accidentally shot and killed his 10-year-old son, Kendrick McDonald, outside their Omaha residence. The incident occurred as McDonald reacted to a car alarm, firing a shot at a person approaching him in the dark, only to realize moments later that it was his own son.
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine provided details from the police investigation, revealing McDonald’s shock upon recognizing his son. “What are you doing?” McDonald reportedly exclaimed, realizing the grave mistake he had made. Kendrick, a fourth grader at Belle Ryan Elementary School in Omaha, succumbed to the gunshot wound later at a hospital.
During McDonald’s first appearance in Douglas County Court, he faced manslaughter and weapons charges. Douglas County Judge John E. Huber set bail at $750,000. The
Douglas County Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent McDonald,
and Public Defender Tom Riley declined to comment.
Describing the incident as “horrific,” Kleine emphasized the tragic perspective
from the child’s point of view. The manslaughter charge alleges that McDonald
unintentionally killed Kendrick, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
McDonald is also charged with using a weapon to commit a felony and possession
of a firearm by a felon, given his past convictions in the 1990s for felony
theft and robbery.
In response to the heartbreaking incident, Belle Ryan Elementary School offered
condolences to Kendrick’s family, providing counseling support for students. A
GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to cover funeral expenses, describing
Kendrick as a funny and active child who excelled in math and enjoyed sports
with his brothers and how he liked to go on car rides with his Dad.
Approximately 20 relatives and friends attended McDonald’s bail hearing, exchanging tearful hugs outside the courtroom. While declining to comment publicly at this time,
the group acknowledged the profound grief surrounding Kendrick and Will
McDonald. Kleine emphasized accountability, stating,
“He didn’t mean to shoot his child, but the fact remains, he’s got to be
held accountable for shooting someone he didn’t have a right to shoot and
kill.” He clarified that deadly force is not justified in response to
property-related incidents, urging a responsible use of force in self-defense
situations.
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Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine provided details from the police investigation, revealing McDonald’s shock upon recognizing his son. “What are you doing?” McDonald reportedly exclaimed, realizing the grave mistake he had made. Kendrick, a fourth grader at Belle Ryan Elementary School in Omaha, succumbed to the gunshot wound later at a hospital.
During McDonald’s first appearance in Douglas County Court, he faced manslaughter and weapons charges. Douglas County Judge John E. Huber set bail at $750,000. The
Douglas County Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent McDonald,
and Public Defender Tom Riley declined to comment.
Describing the incident as “horrific,” Kleine emphasized the tragic perspective
from the child’s point of view. The manslaughter charge alleges that McDonald
unintentionally killed Kendrick, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
McDonald is also charged with using a weapon to commit a felony and possession
of a firearm by a felon, given his past convictions in the 1990s for felony
theft and robbery.
In response to the heartbreaking incident, Belle Ryan Elementary School offered
condolences to Kendrick’s family, providing counseling support for students. A
GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to cover funeral expenses, describing
Kendrick as a funny and active child who excelled in math and enjoyed sports
with his brothers and how he liked to go on car rides with his Dad.
Approximately 20 relatives and friends attended McDonald’s bail hearing, exchanging tearful hugs outside the courtroom. While declining to comment publicly at this time,
the group acknowledged the profound grief surrounding Kendrick and Will
McDonald. Kleine emphasized accountability, stating,
“He didn’t mean to shoot his child, but the fact remains, he’s got to be
held accountable for shooting someone he didn’t have a right to shoot and
kill.” He clarified that deadly force is not justified in response to
property-related incidents, urging a responsible use of force in self-defense
situations.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
