A 26‑year‑old man in the United States has admitted to second‑degree murder after he asked his stepfather to meet him at a Walmart store and then shot him in the chest and head.
What Happened at Walmart
According to reports from Omaha’s ABC affiliate KETV, Manuel Mesa‑Cabrera, 26, pleaded guilty to second‑degree murder in the death of 42‑year‑old Anhil Mirabal Hernandez. He is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
On May 27, 2025, Mesa‑Cabrera asked his stepfather to go with him to the Walmart at 818 East 23rd Street in Columbus to help him look for a vehicle part. Police say Mesa‑Cabrera had planned to kill him.
After they parked in the store’s parking lot, Mesa‑Cabrera pulled out a 9 mm Smith & Wesson handgun and shot Hernandez in the chest and head. He then left the area.
Police Response
Officers from the Columbus Police Department reached the parking lot at about 6:20 p.m. Captain Doug Molczyk said:
“Upon arrival, officers located a male victim lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Officers immediately rendered aid until Columbus Fire Department medics arrived on scene.”
Hernandez was taken to a nearby hospital, but he later died of his injuries.
Suspect Turns Himself In
Mesa‑Cabrera turned himself in to police shortly after the shooting. According to the arrest affidavit, he said he did so because he knew he was going to be arrested.
Mesa‑Cabrera was initially charged with first‑degree murder and using a firearm to commit a felony. Police also say he legally bought the handgun about two weeks before the shooting.
Mental Health and Background
Court records show that Mesa‑Cabrera had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in the past. At the time of the shooting, he was not taking medication and was not seeing a doctor for his condition.
