Lincoln Men Convicted of Robbery Resulting in Murder and Firearm Offenses

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned guilty verdicts today against Tawhyne Patterson, Sr. and Damon Williams. Patterson and Williams, both of Lincoln, were convicted of: two counts of attempted interference with commerce by robbery; using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence; murder while using a firearm during a crime of violence; and conspiracy to possess firearms during a crime of violence. Today’s verdicts subject Patterson and Williams to prison terms of up to life. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 21, 2021.

The evidence at trial established that Patterson and Williams were part of a crew that targeted a Lincoln marijuana dealer for robbery. They went to the home on July 30, 2018 and returned on July 31, 2018 intent on stealing drug money.

On July 31, 2018, Patterson forced open the door and was joined by two others claiming to be Lincoln Police Officers. The robbers zip tied and restrained three children, including a child on a sleepover. Jessica Brandon, mother of two of the children, was shot as she found herself between Patterson and a safe where the robbers expected to find cash and drugs. Brandon was brought to a hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Video was recovered from the crime scene. Williams and Patterson were identified through tips from the public. They fled to Texas and were later arrested.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley Woods and Dan Packard. U.S. Attorney Kelly expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, Lancaster County Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their outstanding efforts in the investigation and assistance during trial.