Probation Given to Lincoln Teen in Older Brother’s Shooting Death
Dec 04, 2025
Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement Center in Lincoln. (Courtesy of Alpha Media Lincoln)LINCOLN–(KFOR Dec. 4)–A Lincoln teen found guilty of fatally shooting his brother last Christmas Eve was sentenced in Lancaster County District Court on Wednesday.
Seventeen-year-old Kentrail McDaniel, Jr. wa
s given five years probation, a major difference of potentially facing 20 years in prison. The prosecution did not argue against probation in the case. Judge Susan Strong said during McDaniel’s sentencing had he shot anyone else other than his brother, he’d be spending “a considerable amount of time in prison.
Last Dec. 24, McDaniel shot and killed his 20-year-old brother Johnathan McCray outside of an apartment building near 14th and Hilltop Road. McDaniel was 16 at the time and told police he was attacked a few days prior and feared for his safety. His brother gave him a gun for protection.
On the day of the shooting, McDaniel arrived at his apartment and saw a masked man in dark clothing walking toward him. Not realizing it was McCray, McDaniel started firing the gun from his hip, striking McCray and killing him.
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