Suspect 'stared and smiled' at witness after Lincoln stabbing

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A 28-year-old man named Jesse Salamanca has been charged with first- and second-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony after allegedly stabbing a 51-year-old man in Lincoln, Nebraska. According to court documents, Salamanca stood at the front door and stared and smiled at a witness after the stabbing before fleeing the scene. Salamanca was later arrested after a brief chase and is also accused of assaulting another inmate at the Lancaster County Jail.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime and repeat offenders in Lincoln, with the suspect having recently been released from prison on parole. The alleged assault at the jail also raises questions about safety and security measures in correctional facilities.

The details

On Friday, just before noon, Lincoln police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at an apartment complex. They found a 51-year-old man with a stab wound to the neck and a gash on his right trap muscle. The witness reported that Salamanca and the victim had gotten into an argument before the stabbing, and that Salamanca stood at the front door and stared and smiled at her until he fled the scene. Police recovered a knife, photos, and bloody clothing from the scene. Salamanca was arrested after a brief chase and is also accused of assaulting another inmate at the Lancaster County Jail.

• On Friday, just before noon, the stabbing incident occurred.
• At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Salamanca was taken into custody after a brief chase.
• At 9:52 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to the Lancaster County Jail after a report of an assault between two inmates, which allegedly involved Salamanca.

What’s next

Salamanca will be back in court on March 13 at 10 a.m. for a hearing.