Omaha man sentenced after deadly shooting at Native Omaha Days
OMAHA — A Douglas County judge sentenced Damaree Amos to 27–38 years in prison Monday after the defendant pleaded guilty to charges tied to a fatal shooting during last year’s Native Omaha Days celebration.
Amos entered a plea agreement in August, admitting to manslaughter, attempted second-degree assault and use of a firearm to commit a felony in connection with the death of 22-year-old Chance McCowin. Prosecutors originally charged Amos with more serious counts, including second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and three counts of using a firearm to commit a felony.
Amos took a plea deal in August.
What happened at the event
Omaha police say the shooting occurred last August near North 24th Street and Patrick Avenue during Native Omaha Days, a celebration held each year in the Near North Side that draws members of the region’s Native community and visitors. Authorities reported a fight at the event preceded the gunfire. The incident left McCowin dead and two other people wounded.
Sentence and legal context
The judge imposed a sentence of 27 to 38 years, reflecting the terms of the plea agreement reached between prosecutors and the defense. Plea deals are common in homicide cases and typically exchange a defendant’s guilty plea on amended charges for a recommended sentencing range, reduced charges or both. In this case, Amos avoided trial on the original second-degree murder charge.
Under Nebraska law, the range indicates the minimum and maximum terms the defendant may serve. Details about credit for time served, eligibility for parole or other post-sentencing matters were not released as part of the sentencing notice.
Community response and ongoing impact
The shooting drew swift attention because it occurred during Native Omaha Days, a long-standing local festival that celebrates Native culture, arts and heritage. The event has been a focal point for the Near North Side neighborhood and a source of pride for many residents. A deadly shooting at a public celebration prompted renewed calls from community members and leaders for increased public safety at events and for resources to address violence prevention.
Leaders and attendees at Native Omaha Days have not issued a formal statement attached to the court filing, but previous coverage of the incident underscored the grief and concern felt by family members and neighbors in the weeks after the shooting.
Case facts at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Damaree Amos |
| Victim | Chance McCowin, 22 |
| Sentence | 27–38 years in prison |
| Charges (plea) | Manslaughter; attempted second-degree assault; use of a firearm to commit a felony |
| Original charges | Second-degree murder; two counts first-degree assault; three counts use of a firearm to commit a felony |
| Location | Near North 24th Street & Patrick Avenue during Native Omaha Days |
| Date of incident | August (previous year) |
Looking ahead
With the sentencing concluded, the criminal case against Amos is at a resolution point, though family members, community leaders and city officials continue to wrestle with the broader aftermath. The case highlights ongoing challenges for Omaha law enforcement and organizers who seek to keep large community gatherings safe while preserving cultural events that are important to neighborhoods.
- Public safety at cultural events: The shooting has prompted conversations about security measures and crowd safety at community festivals.
- Legal outcomes: Plea agreements can expedite resolutions but also leave victims’ families and the public with unresolved questions about accountability and sentencing.
- Community healing: The death of a young resident and injuries to others underscore the need for continued efforts on violence prevention and victim support.
Further details on sentencing conditions or potential appeals were not included in court announcements. Omaha residents with information about last August’s shooting previously were urged to contact local authorities and Crime Stoppers.
