Nebraska Court Denies New Trial for Lincoln Man in DHHS Shooting

Brent Lopez was sentenced to 25-42 years in prison for shooting at two caseworkers during a child welfare check.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun magazine or spent shell casing, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of violence against DHHS caseworkers highlights the risks they face when conducting routine home visits.Lincoln Today

The Nebraska Supreme Court has denied the request of a 40-year-old Lincoln man, Brent Lopez, for a new trial after he was found guilty of shooting at two Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) caseworkers as they were conducting a child welfare check at his home in 2023. Lopez was sentenced to 25-42 years in prison for the incident.

Why it matters

The case highlights the risks and tensions that DHHS caseworkers can face when conducting routine home visits, especially when dealing with individuals who may have mental health or anger management issues. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of force and the need for better training and protocols to protect both caseworkers and the public.

The details

In September 2023, Lopez lost his job at the Air Park Rec Center after he was reportedly involved in a fight with teenagers. Days later, two DHHS caseworkers went to his home for a child welfare check. As the caseworkers, who were wearing their DHHS badges and one of whom was carrying a notebook, were still in the street, Lopez opened his front door and fired two to three shots from a handgun. A 28-year-old DHHS employee was shot and taken to the hospital for treatment, while the other caseworker was uninjured.

  • In September 2023, Lopez was cited for two counts of misdemeanor assault after a fight with teenagers at the Air Park Rec Center.
  • On June 17, 2024, a judge sentenced Lopez to 25-42 years in prison for the shooting incident.
  • In April 2026, the Nebraska Supreme Court denied Lopez's request for a new trial.

The players

Brent Lopez

A 40-year-old Lincoln, Nebraska resident who was found guilty of shooting at two DHHS caseworkers during a child welfare check at his home in 2023.

DHHS

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, whose caseworkers were conducting a routine child welfare check at Lopez's home when the shooting incident occurred.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety of our DHHS caseworkers as they carry out their important duties to protect vulnerable children and families.”

— Governor Pete Ricketts, Governor of Nebraska

What’s next

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is expected to review its protocols and training for caseworkers to address safety concerns raised by this incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks that DHHS caseworkers can face when conducting home visits, and the need for better training and protocols to protect both caseworkers and the public. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of force and the challenges of dealing with individuals who may have mental health or anger management issues.