Manuel Mesa-Cabrera, 26, from Columbus, Nebraska, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the parking lot shooting death of his 42-year-old stepfather, Anhil Mirabal Hernandez. Sentencing is set for April 2026.
Key Details
- On May 27, 2025, Mesa-Cabrera lured Hernandez to the Walmart at 818 East 23rd Street, claiming they needed a vehicle part.
- After parking, he shot Hernandez in the chest and head with a legally purchased 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, then fled.
- Columbus police arrived around 6:20 p.m., found Hernandez wounded, provided aid, but he died at a hospital.
- Mesa-Cabrera, diagnosed with schizophrenia but off medication and not seeing doctors, turned himself in shortly after, expecting arrest.
- Originally charged with first-degree murder and firearm use; plea deal reduced it to second-degree.
Background
Authorities believe Mesa-Cabrera planned the killing in the days prior. This underscores risks of untreated mental health issues in violent crimes—Nebraska courts often factor schizophrenia into sentencing but rarely fully excuse premeditated acts. Sources: KETV, KOLN.
