Recently paroled man kills one before crime spree throughout Lincoln, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Lincoln Police Department shared an update on a series of crimes committed after a man was killed near the State Capitol on Sunday.

The chain of events began at 11:50 a.m. when 41-year-old Timothy Washington and 34-year-old Philmoon Kuku got into an argument.

A preliminary investigation showed Kuku and another person had been walking on 13th Street between E and F streets when Washington drove up in an Impala and shot Kuku in the chest, police said. He then fled the scene.

Kuku was transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

About 45 minutes later, officers responded to a hit-and-run with a white Toyota Highlander at 27th and Y streets. Witnesses reported seeing the driver walking away from the scene.

A short time later, officers responded to a stabbing near 28th and Y streets. Officers located a 40-year-old man outside of an apartment building with stab wounds to his neck and chest.

The victim said Washington went to his apartment and accused him of owing him money. The victim believed Washington had mistaken him for someone else.

He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

LPD said Washington then ran back to the white Highlander that he had previously hit with his Impala and forcibly stole the vehicle. During the theft, LPD said Washington let the victims take their infant child out of the vehicle.

In total, five people were in the vehicle — three of them children. A crash report shows Washington was not licensed during the incident.

About 10 minutes later, officers were called to the area of 48th Street and Madison Avenue on the report of a pedestrian being hit by a stolen vehicle. LPD said Washington hit the victim once and then attempted to hit them a second time while they retreated.

During the incident, LPD said Washington hit two other vehicles. Witnesses reported seeing Washington take out a knife and bang on windows.

He then drove to the Casey’s at Leighton Avenue and North Cotner Boulevard and stole a Chevy Tahoe, police said. He then reportedly hit two vehicles while fleeing the Casey’s in the stolen vehicle.

Police said the pursuit came to an end at 1:10 p.m. when Washington crashed into a tree 9th and Benton streets. He ran away from the crash site and was taken into custody after a short foot chase.

Washington was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and use of a weapon to commit a felony. LPD Chief Michon Morrow said additional charges are forthcoming.

The investigation is ongoing.

Prison records show Washington was paroled on Dec. 27 after being convicted of robbery in 2022. Washington had been accused in a robbery at a D’Leon’s along South 27th Street in 2021 and a robbery at a home in 2020.

He was sentenced to six to 11 years in prison but only served a little under two years behind bars.

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