A dispute over a young child turned fatal during a weekend gathering, authorities say.
ELKHORN, NE – A backyard barbecue in western Douglas County ended in a homicide Saturday night, with a 57-year-old grandmother found dead inside the home and two family members arrested after what deputies described as a violent escalation of a domestic argument. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the confrontation began as a verbal dispute and ended with the victim restrained and suffocated.
According to a sheriff’s office release, Samantha Neiber, 25, and her boyfriend Mason Clarke, 30, are accused in the death of Jennifer Neiber during an incident that unfolded around 10 p.m. Deputies were called to the residence on a report of a “suspicious death” and found Clarke and Samantha Neiber “sitting on a bed,” with Jennifer Neiber lying dead on the floor nearby.
Argument over child escalates into deadly violence
Investigators said the conflict centered on Samantha Neiber’s 3-year-old child, who is not Clarke’s. “After Samantha’s child was put to bed, Jennifer became involved in an argument with Clarke regarding Samantha’s child,” the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Authorities said the situation intensified rapidly. “The verbal argument turned physical and culminated with Clarke placing a sock into Jennifer’s mouth while Samantha held Jennifer’s wrists to the ground,” the release says. “Jennifer was pronounced deceased at the scene by Omaha Fire Department medical personnel.”
The sheriff’s office indicated Jennifer Neiber had been upset about an issue involving the child prior to the altercation. Investigators have not disclosed further details about what sparked the disagreement.
Arrests made as child placed in protective care
Clarke was taken into custody after being interviewed and is being held on suspicion of second-degree murder and child abuse by neglect without injury. Samantha Neiber was also arrested and faces charges of accessory to a Class I felony and child abuse by neglect without injury.
Authorities confirmed the child was removed from the home and temporarily placed with Project Harmony, a local domestic abuse and child advocacy center. Both suspects are being held at the Douglas County Correctional Center in Omaha.
Officials have not released additional details about the investigation or whether further charges could follow.
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