Suspect arrested in Lincoln for Beatrice shooting death
Source: beatricedailysun.com
TL;DR
- Barnhouse Arrested: Justis Barnhouse, 31, was taken into custody in Lincoln for the shooting death of Joshua May.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)[[2]](https://www.klkntv.com/police-arrest-suspect-in-deadly-beatrice-shooting)
- May Shot Early: Joshua May, 37, was found shot near 9th and Summit streets in Beatrice at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday and died at the hospital.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
- Charges Filed: Barnhouse faces second-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
The story at a glance
A 37-year-old Beatrice man, Joshua May, died after being shot in an early morning incident near 9th and Summit streets. Police arrested 31-year-old Justis Barnhouse of Beatrice in Lincoln on a warrant for second-degree murder and related charges. The story broke Tuesday as agencies including Beatrice Police, Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and U.S. Marshals collaborated on the quick arrest.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
Key points
- Shooting reported at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday after a caller heard three loud bangs followed by screaming.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
- Officers found Joshua May, 37, conscious in the street; he told them he had been shot before dying at a hospital.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
- Justis Barnhouse, 31, arrested in Lincoln the same day on a Beatrice Police warrant.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
- Charges against Barnhouse: second-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
- Multi-agency support from Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and U.S. Marshals Service.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
Details and context
Beatrice Police responded around 5:34 a.m. to the 9th and Summit area, where May was found injured.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting) A nearby resident's report of bangs and screams prompted the quick response. Barnhouse, a local resident, fled to Lincoln but was located and arrested without further incident reported.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
The firearm possession charge suggests Barnhouse was prohibited from owning guns, though no motive or prior connection details are public yet. This marks a recent homicide in the small southeast Nebraska city, drawing regional law enforcement aid for the cross-county pursuit.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
Key quotes
None reported in available coverage.
Why it matters
Rare fatal shootings in Beatrice, a community of about 12,000, heighten local concerns over gun violence and public safety. Residents and families face immediate impacts from the loss, while police emphasize swift action to prevent flight by suspects. Watch for court proceedings on charges and any motive disclosure, as the investigation continues.
What changed
A man walked the streets unharmed early Tuesday morning. Joshua May, 37, was shot and killed near 9th and Summit in Beatrice. The shooting occurred around 5:30 a.m. on April 21, 2026.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
FAQ
Q: Where and when did the shooting of Joshua May happen?
A: The shooting occurred at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday near 9th and Summit streets in Beatrice. Officers found May lying in the street after a report of three loud bangs and screaming. He was conscious, said he was shot, and later died at the hospital.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
Q: Who was arrested for Joshua May's death?
A: Justis Barnhouse, 31, of Beatrice, was arrested in Lincoln on a warrant. Beatrice Police identified him as the suspect in the homicide. He faces second-degree murder and firearm-related charges.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
Q: What agencies helped with the arrest?
A: Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and U.S. Marshals Service assisted Beatrice Police. The arrest happened in Lincoln earlier Tuesday. The investigation remains ongoing.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)
Q: What charges does the suspect face?
A: Justis Barnhouse is accused of second-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. These stem from the shooting that killed Joshua May. No trial date is mentioned yet.[[1]](https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/21/beatrice-homicide-suspect-arrested-lincoln-after-early-morning-shooting)