Criminal Justice

Trial attorney slain outside his law office was targeted, police chief says

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A Nebraska trial lawyer was fatally shot Wednesday as he stood beside a red Chevrolet Avalanche parked outside his Grand Island law office at around 6:30 p.m.

Todd Elsbernd, 52, was struck in the torso and died at a local hospital, the Grand Island Independent reports.

Police chief Steve Lamken said the shooter was white and appeared to have targeted Elsbernd. Witnesses reported seeing the shooter parked in a lot near the law office for some time. The weapon is believe to have been a rifle. The motive and the identity of the suspect apparently are unknown.

Elsbernd was a partner of Bradley, Elsbernd, Andersen, Kneale & Mues Jankowitz. A law firm biography says he tried criminal and civil cases. He earned his law degree in 1988 from Creighton University and was admitted to practice in both state and federal courts.

Update: Former divorce client is arrested in lawyer’s shooting death

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