In the quiet of a Sunday evening, the Florence Tower apartment complex in North Omaha became the scene of a tragedy that left a community reeling. Eric Bechtolt, a 45-year-old resident, was fatally shot in a disturbance that unfolded before police arrived. The loss of life has cast a somber shadow over the neighborhood, where residents now grapple with the shock of violence in their midst. The Omaha Police Department has since pieced together the events, identifying 50-year-old Billy Dorrall as the suspect, whose actions that night led to a confrontation with officers and a cascade of consequences.
The incident began around 6 p.m. on April 13, 2025, when multiple calls flooded the police dispatch, reporting an armed individual firing shots inside Florence Tower, a public housing complex near Browne Street and Florence Boulevard. The urgency of the situation was palpable as officers rushed to the scene, aware that lives hung in the balance. Upon arrival, they were met with the unmistakable sound of gunfire echoing through the building. The chaos was centered on the sixth floor, where the suspect, later identified as Dorrall, was reportedly armed with multiple firearms.
Police navigated the building with caution, approaching the sixth floor via both the elevator and stairwell. As officers emerged from the stairwell, they encountered Dorrall, and a tense exchange of gunfire followed. One officer discharged their service weapon, striking Dorrall, who retreated further into the hallway. Moving forward, officers discovered Bechtolt, lifeless, a victim of the earlier violence. The scene was grim, a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in moments of crisis.
Dorrall, found farther down the hallway, was injured but alive, clutching two handguns. His gunshot wound, described as non-life-threatening, did little to deter the officers, who issued clear commands for his surrender. To their relief, Dorrall complied, allowing police to take him into custody without further escalation. First responders quickly transported him to Nebraska Medicine, where he received treatment for his injuries. The swift resolution of the standoff provided a momentary reprieve, but the weight of Bechtolt’s death lingered heavily.
Investigators have since determined that Dorrall was responsible for Bechtolt’s death, a shooting that occurred during a disturbance before police arrived. The motive remains under scrutiny, with authorities working to unravel the events that led to such a devastating outcome. Dorrall now faces a litany of charges, including first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, three counts of using a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm as a felon. These charges reflect the severity of the incident and the potential for even greater harm had the situation not been contained.
The Omaha Police Department’s Officer-Involved Investigations Team is leading the inquiry, with support from the Nebraska State Patrol and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office. Body camera footage captured portions of the incident, offering critical insight into the officers’ actions. Per protocol, those involved have been placed on administrative leave pending interviews, a standard practice to ensure transparency and accountability. The Douglas County Attorney’s Office will review the case to determine formal charges, a process that will likely draw close attention from a community seeking justice.
For residents of Florence Tower, the incident has shaken their sense of security. The complex, meant to be a home, became a crime scene in an instant, leaving neighbors to process the loss of one of their own. As the investigation continues, questions linger about what could have been done to prevent such a tragedy. The answers may not come easily, but the pursuit of truth remains a priority for both police and the public.
This event marks another chapter in Omaha’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, prompting renewed conversations about safety and community support. While the immediate danger has passed, the emotional toll endures, a reminder of the human cost of such incidents. As the city mourns Eric Bechtolt, it also looks toward healing, hoping to restore peace to a place now marked by sorrow.