Orion Ross, the man who tried to escape out a window with a teenager who came out shooting and fatally wounded a Lincoln police officer in 2020, is set for sentencing after entering a plea agreement.
At a hearing Wednesday via Zoom with Ross appearing from the Saline County jail in Wilber, the now 22-year-old pleaded no contest to escape using deadly force and unlawful transfer of a firearm to a juvenile.
Orion Ross
In exchange, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon dismissed five other felonies, including aiding and abetting first-degree murder.
Now, Ross will face up to 24 years at his sentencing in July.
That's in addition to the up to 20 years he faces at a June sentencing on federal charges related to his involvement in the No Name Demons gang. And, unlike state court, there is no parole in the federal system.
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Condon told the judge that on Aug. 26, 2020, Ross and Felipe Vazquez were barricaded in a locked bedroom at 33rd and Vine streets as Lincoln police closed in around the house to arrest Vazquez.
After about 20 minutes, Ross broke the window with a mug and Vazquez started firing shots, including one that struck Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera in the chest, and the two leaped out and ran up Vine Street.
They both were caught nearby, Ross on a school playground across the street.
At Vazquez's trial last year, Ross testified that just before he broke the window, Vazquez asked if he could "shoot out."
He said Vazquez "upped the gun," pointing it at the window, while he pulled the curtain back and threw a mug to break the window.
Ross said he thought the plan was to fire a shot to scare police, so they could get away.
"I just remember him … lowering it," he said of Vazquez and the gun that day.
Condon said Vazquez, then 17, fired off rounds from the black Smith & Wesson — which Condon said had been stolen earlier that summer from the house where Ross was living — as he went out the window.
Ross followed.
Herrera, a 50-year-old father of four, succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 7, 2020.
Following his conviction at a jury trial in Columbus, Vazquez was sentenced a year ago to life in prison plus 129 years for his murder.
Photos, video: End of watch for Investigator Mario Herrera
Overpass
Nearly every overpass Monday afternoon from Omaha to Lincoln had cars and people gathered to honor the processional carrying Officer Mario Herrera.
Cruiser
A cruiser sits in front of the County-City Building on Monday with flowers on top and flags at half staff.
Car
Flowers on the cruiser in front of the County-City Building Monday in honor of Officer Mario Herrera.
Watch Now: Bystander on how she is feeling
Mayor, council
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and City Council members wait for the procession carrying Officer Mario Herrera's body in front of the County-City Building.
Shield
Lincoln police brought out a shield Monday to display in honor of Investigator Mario Herrera.
Procession
People watch the procession for Officer Mario Herrera from Ninth and Q streets.
Watch Now: Bystander on why he’s there
Draping
The scene Monday in front of the County-City Building.
Cruiser
Flowers rest on a police cruiser Monday in honor of slain officer Mario Herrera.
Watch Now: Vehicles lined up on overpass near Waverly
Omaha procession
People gather before a procession for Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Omaha procession
People gather on a pedestrian bridge to watch a procession for Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Omaha procession
Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera is escorted on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Omaha procession
Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera is escorted on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Omaha procession
People gather before a procession for Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Omaha procession
Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera is escorted on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Omaha procession
An Omaha police officer salutes the law enforcement escort of the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Watch Now: Procession reaches downtown Lincoln
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Omaha procession
People stand out on 42nd Street north of Pacific street tow atch as Omaha police officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
Watch Now: Procession at 10th and K beside the County-City Building
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officer Erin Spilker embraces a fellow mourner during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Katie Penas waits for the motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
A badge sculpture was set up in honor of the fallen officer during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Supporters and mourners line the streets during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Caitlin Mace wipes tears from her eyes after the motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officer Erin Spilker is hugged by a first responder during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Supporters and mourners line downtown Lincoln streets during a motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Caitlin Mace wears an honor hoodie to show her support during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Flowers and cards are laid on a cruiser parked in of the County-City Building to honor the fallen officer during a procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Samantha Binder waits along an overpass near Waverly for the motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Flags were flown at half-staff after the death of Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera during a procession for Herrera on Monday.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officer Erin Spilker is hugged during a motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officers stand at attention and salute as the motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera passes by them Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Gary Binder holds the stars and stripes before draping it over the 134 Street overpass over I-80 during a funeral procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
A motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera comes into downtown Lincoln on Monday afternoon. Herrera, who was shot Aug. 26 while helping serve a warrant, died earlier in day at an Omaha hospital. The procession traveled down I-80 from Omaha.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Two LPD officers, who did not give their names, embrace after the motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera passes by Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
LINCOLN, NEB. - 09/3/2020 - A mourners uses a punk to light a candle during a candlelight vigil held for fallen officer Mario Herrera at St Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday, September 7, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
LINCOLN, NEB. - 09/3/2020 - Mourners are reflected on a pulpit as they light candles during a candlelight vigil held for fallen officer Mario Herrera at St Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday, September 7, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Two LPD officers pay their respects to Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held for the fallen officer at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday. Herrera died early Monday at an Omaha hospital from injuries he suffered Aug. 26 when he was shot while helping serve a warrant.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mourners who came to pay their respects light a candle for Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A mourner who brought her own candle holds it during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A candlelight vigil was held for fallen Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Two LPD officers are reflected in a marble pulpit as people pay their respects to Officer Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A woman bows her head in prayer during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A woman makes her way into the church during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mourners line up and wait for their turn to light candles during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mourners light hundreds of candles around a small shrine featuring a photo of Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held for the fallen police officer at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A small shrine with a photo of Mario Herrera on it is presented during a candlelight vigil held for the fallen officer at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
