Two people were arrested Wednesday in connection to the shooting death of 24-year-old Saiveon Hopkins on September 8th near 11th and ‘O’ Street. The Omaha Police Department, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted Lincoln Police according to LPD Chief Michon Morrow.
Kavion Wright, Mugshot Courtesy of LPD
23-year-old Kavion Wright of Omaha is charged with 1st Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm to Commit a Felony and two counts of 2nd Degree Assault.
30-year-old Gregory Bahati of Omaha was arrrested for Aid and Abet 1st Degree Murder, Aid and Abet Use of a Firearm to Commit a Felony and two counts of Aid and Abet 2nd Degree Assault.
After reviewing video and other digital evidence, as well as interviewing dozens of witnesses, LPD investigators determined the following timeline of events.
On September 8, shortly after 1:00 a.m., a large fight broke out near 11th and O streets.
While that incident unfolded, Wright, Bahati and Hopkins were in the area. However, they were not actively involved in those fights.
Gregory Bahati, Mugshot Courtesy of LPD
Prior to the shooting, Bahati had a minor involvement in one of the fights before breaking away and disengaging.
According to LPD Captain Ben Miller, Bahati turned and looked towards the area where Hopkins was standing and said shoot him while pointing in the direction of Hopkins.
Wright, who was standing behind Hopkins, produced a firearm and fired at least two rounds before fleeing the scene. Those rounds ultimately struck Hopkins and led to his death.
Video evidence showed Wright flee to a vehicle a few blocks away. That vehicle, a 2021 black Honda Pilot, was owned by a family member of Bahati. While working in conjunction with the Omaha Police Department, investigators were able to determine based on video surveillance that Wright had left his residence in Omaha around 11:00 p.m., a couple hours before the shooting.
Investigators also determined that the black Honda Pilot was the vehicle that drove Wright from his residence in Omaha to Lincoln. That same vehicle then returned Wright to his residence after the shooting took place.
On Oct. 15, arrest warrants were issued for Wright and Bahati. In addition, search warrants were issued for the residence of Wright and Bahati up in Omaha. LPD, in coordination with the OPD, SWAT team, gang unit and homicide units, along with United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, served those search warrants in Omaha, where Bahati was taken into custody just after 6:00 in the morning Wednesday, Oct. 16, at his residence and Wright was arrested shortly after around noon in Douglas county.
Both Wright and Bahati were then lodged at the Lancaster County Jail.
Capt. Miller says its not currently known why/if Hopkins was intentionally targeted in the shooting.
This investigation is still ongoing, but LPD does not currently believe there are any other suspects at large in relation to this crime.
LPD asks anyone with information that could help investigators to call the them at 402-441-6000, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.