Millard shooting verdict: Guilty

An Omaha man was convicted Wednesday of first-degree murder and weapon use for the June 2008 shooting death of Julius Robinson near 128th and Q Streets.

The jury of five men and seven women rejected 20-year-old Daniel Miller's version that he shot in self-defense during a dispute between rival Millard gangs.

Miller will be sentenced to a life term, the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder. He will be sentenced in May.

Witnesses had testified that Robinson and others had just begun to rush out towards Miller's car.

However, from the passenger seat of Fry's car, Miller shot twice with a .357 Magnum – hitting Robisnson once.

The two groups had been feuding ever since Robinson broke off from Miller's gang – the Omaha Mafia Bloods – and formed his own gang. One of Miller's close friends, Austin Fry, accused Robinson of stealing $500 from Fry.

The two gangs had planned to meet for a fight. Prosecutors John Alagaban and Jim Masteller pointed out that Miller had several options short of shooting at Robinson.

Miller had contended that Robinson had a gun but other witnesses said he was carrying only a novelty a bat.

Robinson ‘s mom, Durra "Renee" Robinson, said she was relieved by the verdict. She said her son was willing to fight to defend his friends but he didn’t carry guns and he wasn’t violent.

Several friends and family members hugged after the verdict. Renee Robinson said everyone used to talk about how Julius, 18, had a smile reminiscent of the "Kool-Aid man."

"It hurts that he’s gone," his mother said. "It was so hard for me. But it helps to know that someone fought for us It’s a heavy burden lifted."

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