Maria Garcia Sanchez and her family were shot by their Nebraska neighbor, leaving all seven injured. Sanchez recalled the chaos of the shooting, where she shielded her 3-year-old grandson from bullets. The neighbor, Billy Booth, was found dead after the attack, which the Nebraska State Patrol is investigating as a possible hate crime. It was reported that Booth had a history of conflicts with both white and Guatemalan neighbors, with allegations of racism and hostility. The Guatemalan family had previously reported incidents with Booth, but no direct threats were made. The shooting occurred during a family gathering at their home, with two members working at a local meatpacking company. Authorities stated that Booth shot at the family members after they entered his property to retrieve a soccer ball. The victims were from Guatemala and had mixed legal status. The Guatemalan Consulate in Omaha expressed concern for the family and stated that hate against immigrants may increase during an election year. Additionally, a nonprofit organization supporting Indigenous people in Nebraska highlighted the challenges faced by immigrants in the state due to hostility and discrimination. The victims, including Sanchez, have been released from the hospital, and the community is focused on their recovery and well-being.
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Guatemalan immigrants had prior conflict with neighbor who later shot them
