Plea and Charges
Will McDonald, a 47-year-old father from Omaha, Nebraska, has pleaded no contest to manslaughter after fatally shooting his 10-year-old son, Kendrick McDonald, on Thanksgiving. McDonald also pleaded no contest to being a felon in possession of a gun, a charge stemming from his 1993 convictions for theft and robbery. Under Nebraska law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms.
Incident Details
The tragic incident occurred on Thanksgiving night when McDonald heard his car alarm going off. According to an arrest affidavit, McDonald grabbed a flashlight and handgun to investigate. Upon seeing someone running toward him, he fired a shot, only to realize too late that he had hit his son. McDonald told investigators he believed his son was inside the house asleep when he discharged the weapon.
Legal Implications of the No Contest Plea
A no contest plea means that the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the prosecution has sufficient evidence for a conviction. The court treats this plea as equivalent to a guilty plea.
Sentencing and Potential Penalties
Will McDonald faces up to 70 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for August. This severe potential sentence reflects the gravity of the charges, including the loss of a young life and the violation of firearm possession laws.
