Two Omaha men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old performer Jay Hefner, whose real name is Saiveon Hopkins, in downtown Lincoln on September 8. The arrests were announced by the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) following a collaborative effort with the Omaha Police Department, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident unfolded around 1 a.m. on September 8 near 11th and O Streets, a busy nightlife area in downtown Lincoln. Officers responded to reports of a fight outside a bar, where they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Hopkins, who had sustained critical injuries, was taken to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, a 40-year-old Lincoln resident, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Kavion Wright and 30-year-old Gregory Bahati, were apprehended in Omaha on October 16. Wright is facing charges of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault, and use of a firearm to commit a felony. Bahati is charged with aiding and abetting each of these offenses. Both men were denied bond during their arraignment at Lancaster County Court on Thursday.

According to police, surveillance footage captured Wright leaving his home in Omaha hours before the shooting and returning later in the same black Honda Pilot seen fleeing the scene. The footage was instrumental in identifying Wright as the primary suspect. Bahati is alleged to have encouraged Wright to fire the shots that killed Hopkins, reportedly telling him to “shoot him” while pointing at the victim.

While the suspects were present in the area of the altercation, police clarified that they were not directly involved in the initial fights. According to Assistant Chief Jason Stille, Bahati had minor involvement in one of the altercations before allegedly directing Wright to shoot Hopkins. Wright is accused of firing two shots, hitting both Hopkins and the second victim before escaping.

Police have not yet determined a clear motive for the shooting but are investigating possible connections between the suspects and local Omaha gangs. “I don’t know if the incident was gang-related or motivated, but certainly the individuals at least responsible for it have connections to gangs up in Omaha,” said Assistant Chief Stille.

On October 15, arrest and search warrants were issued for Wright and Bahati. Authorities conducted simultaneous raids at their homes in Omaha, resulting in the seizure of two handguns and a rifle. Wright was taken into custody around noon, while Bahati was arrested earlier in the morning at approximately 6 a.m. Both suspects were transported to Lancaster County Jail.

Authorities are continuing their investigation but do not believe there are additional suspects at large. The LPD is encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact their non-emergency line at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600 for anonymous tips.

The death of Hopkins, known professionally as Jay Hefner, has had a significant impact on the local community. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his family during this difficult time. The campaign, titled “Honor Saiveon Hopkins, Support His Family,” seeks to raise funds to cover funeral expenses and other needs.