Man sentenced to life for Branched Oak murder

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The man who shot another man at Branched Oak Lake in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison Thursday.

Judge Jodi Nelson convicted 24-year-old Taban Rik of second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old Benjamin J. Case, who was shot twice while on a boat on July 19, 2022.

Rik's attorney, Dave Tarrell, acknowledged the seriousness of the crime but asked the judge for a sentence that could one day allow Rik's release.

“The difficult but necessary thing about it is that it hurt,” Tarrell said. “It hurts to finally see all the pain he caused, the destruction you brought into this world, the life it took for you to finally learn this lesson you should have learned a long time ago should learn.”

He then appealed to the judge that Rik had learned a lot and promised to do better: “…true vows that he will fulfill for the rest of his days, whether in prison or at least hopefully out.” Parole.”

Prosecutor Charlie Byrd highlighted the impact of the crime on the victim's family, saying: “He took with him a father, a son, an uncle, a brother and a friend. And he ensured that LaNorma Case experienced every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Before Judge Nelson handed down her sentence, she reflected on the tragedy of the case. “This case is tragic in every way,” she said. “You just have to look around and realize the tragedy and pain this has caused. When considering a verdict, I must consider all legal factors under Nebraska law. It will be you (Rik) and your actions in the future that may at some point create a chance for you to be released from prison. But I won’t create that opportunity today.”

Rik pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder in a plea agreement July 11, with one count of first-degree murder and five other counts dismissed.

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