It was supposed to be a fun Halloween house party in South Omaha, but by mere minutes before midnight, the atmosphere turned devastating. At the intersection of 36th and Polk streets, friends were celebrating when gunfire erupted. Eighteen-year‑olds Rayquan Bass and Yourhansay Gonzales‑Washington were arrested Wednesday in Council Bluffs in connection with the shooting that claimed the life of 17‑year‑old senior Sevyn Bellar‑White.
Sevyn, known to his classmates at Millard North High School as a bright, caring young man with big dreams, was found outside the party with a critical gunshot wound. Police arrived just before midnight on October 31 and immediately transported him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His loss sent shockwaves through his school and neighborhood.
According to the Omaha Police Department, Bass is charged with second‑degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of a defaced firearm. Gonzales‑Washington faces charges of possession of a defaced firearm, tampering with physical evidence, and being an accessory to a felony. The arrests followed intensive investigations involving witness interviews, forensic evidence, and a task force that spanned jurisdictions to bring the two into custody.
At Millard North, grief filled halls and hearts. Staff and classmates shared memories of Sevyn as someone always ready to help, eager to learn, and excited about his future. The school revealed that he planned to study construction management after graduation. In a message to families, Principal Dr. Aaron Bearinger said, “Sevyn found a home at Millard North … he will be deeply missed.” Counselors were made available and the school held moments of remembrance to offer support to students and staff alike.
Community leaders expressed deep sorrow, calling the tragedy a jarring reminder of the destructive reach of gun violence—especially among youth. They urged those with information to come forward, emphasizing that there were likely witnesses at the large gathering who could help piece together what led to the fatal gunfire.
While the investigation continues, detectives are still combing through forensic evidence, communications, and witness statements to determine motive and what triggered the shooting. Meanwhile, Omaha police urge anyone with additional information to contact the homicide unit or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
Sevyn’s story—his friendship, his aspirations, his final hours—is now entering the memory of his school and community. His death underscores the fragility of young lives and the ripple effect of violence on families, classmates, and neighborhoods. With the arrests made, the hope is for answers, accountability, and a moment of healing amid the collective grief.
