District Court hears testimonies from three witnesses Friday in the state's case against Aristh Rodriguez-Linares at Dawson County Courthouse in Lexington.
The court heard the final three witnesses Friday in the state's case against Aristh Rodriguez-Linares of Lexington.
Rodriguez-Linares is charged with first-degree murder, a Class 1A felony; use of a firearm to commit a felony, a Class 1C felony; and unlawful/intentional discharge of a firearm, a Class 1D felony, in connections to the shooting death of Mykal Farinas Carballo on Jan. 21, 2025, in Lexington.
Sandra Allen, state assistant attorney general, first called to the stand Tina Oliver, a criminal investigator with the state’s Attorney General's Office.
Oliver was called to do cell phone analysis of both Rodriguez-Linares and Carballo's iPhones submitted into evidence. She extracted call logs, text messages, pictures and messages off the WhatsApp application.
The state entered into evidence a photo extracted by Oliver that contained a photo of a gold watch that was found on both phones, of which the watch closely resembled a watch found in tennis shoes inside Carballo's Monte Carlo at the scene of the shooting.
Oliver testified to recovering text messages between Carballo and Rodriguez-Linares from WhatsApp in Spanish from the day of the shooting.
In the defense's cross of Oliver, Attorney David Tarrell, questioned Oliver on if she was able to tell if the gold watch photo found on both phones was sent from Carballo to Rodriguez-Linares or from Rodriguez-Linares to Carballo.
"Yes I can tell," Oliver said.
"Is it fair to say that Carballo sent the photo to Rodriguez-Linares on WhatsApp," Tarrell asked of Oliver. "Yes," she answered.
The state then excused Oliver before calling the next witness Irma Watt, a Nebraska state court interpreter to the stand.
Watt was called to translate from Spanish to English, documents of text messages and recordings found between Rodriguez-Linares and Carballo via WhatsApp from Jan. 21, 2025.
In the defense's cross of Watt, Tarrell questioned if Watt was familiar with Cuban Spanish terms as "sometimes words can't directly translate to English."
In one of Watt's translations, she translated a message from Carballo to Rodriguez-Linares, in which she translated to "I will show you." Tarrell questioned if that could also mean "I will teach you?"
Watt said, "Yes it could."
In another text message that Rodriguez-Linares sent to Carballo, Watt translated it to say, "Friend there is none. I have no money. You're a life saver."
Tarrell questioned Watt on if that could also translate to "I have no money to help you?" Watt said, "That is correct."
The state excused Watt before calling Jeremy Berg, a forensic pathologist, to the stand. Berg performed the autopsy of Carballo on Jan. 23, 2025.
Berg testified to locating the bullet entries and exits, locating bullet and bullet fragments and performing a toxicology report.
Berg's final report on the cause of death was bullet wounds to the head, torso and extremities.
In his toxicology report, Berg noted finding positive results for amphetamine, methamphetamine, cotinine, caffeine and benzoylecgonine.
He stated that amphetamine is a metabolite of meth, cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine and benzoylecgonine is a metabolite of cocaine.
Berg reported that the drugs in Carballo's system were "not related to the cause of death."
In the cross of Berg, Tarrell questioned him on his findings of the bullet fragments and their trajectory traveled through the body and if those findings could determine where the shooter was located.
"There was no evidence that the shooter was in the car?" Tarrell asked of Berg. "No," Berg answered.
In regards to the toxicology report, Tarrell questioned if Berg could determine if Carballo had taken the drugs on Jan. 21. "I can't say if he was high at that time," Berg said. "But it's likely?" Tarrell asked. "Yes, its a possibility," answered Berg.
Berg testified that a rough estimate of when the drugs were ingested were 1-2 days prior to the autopsy examine.
In the state's redirect, Allen questioned Berg if he found any natural occurring diseases he found of Carballo. "Nothing of significance," Berg said.
The state excused Berg from the stand, and the court recessed for lunch.
After the trial resumed, Allen said that the state would like to rest.
Tarrell called to dismiss the case based on lack of evidence.
"Your honor there was no motive discussed or any evidence to support that first charge (first-degree murder)," Tarrell said.
Allen called for an objection and said, "Motive is not needed for these charges."
Judge Chawnta Durham overruled the defense's move to dismiss the charges.
The defense council called for a side bar before Durham called to recess for the day to take the motion under advisement.
The case will resume in District Court at 9 a.m. Monday.
Two water line breaks at the Nebraska State Penitentiary late last week prompted the state Department of Correctional Services to provide inmates with bottled water and portable toilets.
In a statement Monday, spokesperson Dayne Urbanovsky said a pair of water line breaks affected water access to a significant portion of the prison.
The first leak was discovered near the library on Thursday and was fixed Friday. The second leak was found near a housing unit Friday and was set to be repaired early this week once parts needed to fix the leak are delivered.
Urbanovsky said staff have worked to ensure there were no disruptions to medical care, visits, religious services and acccess to the prison's yard.
"Our first step in every process is to ensure the safety and security of our staff and population," Urbanovsky said. "Initially, 20,000 water bottles were delivered ... and additional water deliveries have since been made. Portable toilets were brought in on Thursday."
The State Penitentiary has experienced recurring water line breaks due to aging facility infrastructure.
The state is constructing a new prison that is set for completion in 2028.
Located north of Interstate 80 and east of 70th Street in northeast Lincoln, the new 1,512-bed facility will replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary, the oldest corrections facility in the state.
Construction began last August and the project is scheduled for completion by May 2028.
In early June, Urbanovsky said construction is "progressing across the site" and contractors have not run into any challenges securing building materials.
She noted multiple buildings now have walls and contractors are working on adding underground utilities and footings, which include plumbing and foundational work for every building.
Contact the writer at akleiber@journalstar.com or 715-370-4567. On X @annakleiber03
The Around Town section of the Clipper-Herald is to notify the public of upcoming events and to publicize pertinent information from individuals, groups or service organizations.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
Lexington Area Farmer's Market at 237 Hardware on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Eighth St. To make an appointment, call Mag Fagot at 308-320-3280.
Lexington City Council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the city building.
Join Dawson County Family Partners DBA Heartland Family Partners Thursday, Aug. 27 for a hands-on canning class. Spots are limited and you must register by Thursday, Aug. 20. RSVP by calling or texting 308-325-8733.
Outdoor Movie Night sponsored by the Orthman Community YMCA Friday, Aug. 21 at 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Pavilion at Kirkpatrick Memorial Park.
Wine & Wings, Beer & Brats fundraiser night for the Blanche Senior Scholarship at Mac's Creek Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5-9 p.m.
Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
First Responder Golf Fundraiser golf tournament four-person scramble Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Overton Golf Course. $75 per person or $300 per team. Check-in at 9 a.m.
Remembering 9/11 25 years later at the Lexington Veterans Pavilion Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. The Chad Lee Band will perform with free entry to all. Food truck available starting at 5 p.m.
Parkview Baptist Church holds a food pantry every third Saturday of the month at the Refuge Building (1105 Park St.) in Lexington.
The Dawson County History Museum is hosting “Coffee with Carol” the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Lexington Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month at the Lexington Grand Generation Center.
Lexington Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dawson County Annex Building at noon. For more information or to join call 308-325-7006.
The Dawson County Democrats meet at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Los Jalapeños Restaurant.
American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
WIC Clinic Sites, Dawson County: Lexington – Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Building, 931 W. Seventh St., Tuesday through Thursday the first 4 full weeks for each month.
RYDE Transit — Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.
COZAD HAPPENINGS
Stop by Wilson Public Library any time during regular hours beginning Monday, Aug. 3, to complete a Catch the Crayons Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a challenge at the front desk and find all 12 crayons for a treat through Aug. 31.
Button Making at the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 3-5 p.m. Open to all ages.
Community Chat: Wednesday, Aug. 12 at noon at Wilson Public Library with Laurie Yocom, director of the Wilson Public Library.
One Book One Cozad book viewing of "Standing Bear's Footsteps" by NET Television. Open to the public Thursday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Music Mondays: Sweetwater Band on Monday, Aug. 17 with free entry from 5-8 p.m. Food truck: Turtle Power Pizza and drinks by Big E's.
Farmer and Rancher Appreciation Dine In/Drive Thru Burger Night Thursday, Aug. 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Cozad Grand Generation Center with free grocery boxes.
Annual 100th Meridian 5/10k Road Race Saturday, Aug. 15 at 8 a.m.
Trivia Night with Askin' Nebraskan at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17 at Meridian Tap House.
Armchair Travels: Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Cozad High School biology teacher Isela Horwart speaks on her European trip.
Haymaker District received a donation of ceramic bisque ornaments, and is turning them into a community art moment. Stop by Hey Maker Studios between 4-7 p.m. to paint, customize and autograph an ornament Wednesday, July 19.
Liberty Quartet concert Friday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Cozad Church of Christ, 2117 Newell St. Free admission.
Barn Quilt Workshop Saturday, Aug. 22 from 1-4 p.m. at Hay Maker Studios, 123 W. Eighth St., Cozad.
Harvest Moon Arts Festival Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at the Green Space.
Maker Market is held every Tuesday until Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
The Writing Society meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Open to all writers of all levels and genres.
Blood Pressure Clinic at the Cozad Grand Generation Center the third Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center has Home Delivered Meals to the Community Monday — Friday. If you would like to receive Home Delivered Meals or would like to pick up a Curbside Meal at 410 W. Ninth St. from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., please call us at 308-784-2747 by 9:30 a.m. that morning, so we can arrange everything for your convenience.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center Bus is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride in Cozad call 308-784-2747.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
Livin' Out Loud is set for Aug. 15-16 at Lake Helen.
26th Annual Gothenburg Health Foundation golf tournament Friday, Aug. 21 with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start at the Wild Horse Golf Club.
2026 Harvest Festival Parade "A Tradition We Love!" Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. on Lake Avenue.
2026 Harvest Festival Arts in the Park Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ehmen Park.
2026 Harvest Festival Car Show Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ehmen Park.
Thankful Run 5k Saturday, Nov. 21 from 8:30-10 a.m. at the YMCA at Gothenburg Health. Fee: $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Register by Nov. 21.
MILLER HAPPENINGS
Miller Volunteer Fire Department Burger Bash Saturday, Aug. 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Miller Community Hall.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Gosper Prescribed Burn Association meeting Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Elwood Fire Hall. RSVP for a meal by calling Josh Evans at 308-991-3026 or Andy Nation at 308-999-0609.
AREA HAPPENINGS
2026 Central Nebraska Go Red for Women Thursday, Sept. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at the Younes Conference Center. Register at heart.org/centralnegored. For more information call 402-875-7382.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (PG-13) - Aug. 12; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Minions & Monsters" (PG) - Aug. 14-16, 19; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
COZAD
Fox Theater, 100 E. Eighth St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $9, Student/Seniors/Military $8, 5 and under $6.50, Matinee (all ages) $6.50
SHOWTIMES:
"Spider Man Brand New Day" (PG-13) - Aug. 11-13; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Odyssey" (R) - Aug. 11-13; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"Toy Story 5" (PG) - Aug. 11-13; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Moana" (PG) - Aug. 14-16; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (PG-13) - Aug. 21-23; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Lexington Public Library hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sunday: Closed. Watch for lots of fun programs and activities this summer. Also, we are continuing curbside services; call the library at 308-324-2151 for information.
Novel Stitchers meets on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Library.
Storytime meets at the Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Wilson Public Library normal hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. Public and private meetings have resumed, with 24-hour notice appreciated. Limits to how many attendees based upon room need, what equipment is available and other restrictions can be found by calling us at 308-784-2019 or stopping at the front desk. Normal policies about room rental can be found under Policies at wilsonpubliclibrary.org.
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER
The exercise room is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. - I've Got It
11 a.m. - Christian Women
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco
2:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
FRIDAY
Noon - Birthday Dinner
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Homemade bread every day. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations are needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m. Please call 308-324-2498 by 10 a.m. for delivery or carryout meals.
TUESDAY
Polish Dog with Bun, Fries, Sauerkraut, Mac and Cheese, Mixed Fruit
WEDNESDAY
Swiss Steak, Hashbrown Casserole, Buttered Cabbage, Sliced Apples
THURSDAY
Sweet and Sour Chicken, Wild Rice, Broccoli, Cold Veggie Salad, Mandarin Oranges
FRIDAY
Beef Roast, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Corn, OJ Cup, Dinner Roll, Dessert
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER
When Cozad schools are closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. Check KRVN or the TV for weather related closings.
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
5 p.m. - Dine In/Drive Thru Burger Night
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Peaches, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Tuna Casserole, Corn, Creamy Fruit Salad, Ice Cream
THURSDAY
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Carrots, Red Applesauce, Cupcakes
FRIDAY
Potato Soup, Ham Salad Sandwich, Fruit Mix, Cucumber Salad, Rice Krispie Bars
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
The center will be closed on Fridays until further notice. When Eustis-Farnam Schools are closed due to the weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Call ahead by 9:30 a.m. to get a meal 308-569-2359.
TUESDAY
Smothered Steak, Baked Potato, Carrots, Apricots, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
John Wayne Casserole, Diced Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Peaches, Dinner Roll
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. All meals are subject to change without notice. Please call by 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Suggested meal price is $8 for 60 and above and $9 for under 60.
TUESDAY
Hamburger and Veggie Casserole
WEDNESDAY
Salmon Patties
THURSDAY
Sloppy Nachos
FRIDAY
Egg Salad Sandwich
ORGANIZATIONS
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at 303 E. Sixth St., in Lexington.
First Christian Church NA: meets Sundays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 1206 N. Erie St., in Lexington.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Monday and Friday nights from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
Women's Group: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. on the second floor lounge at the Dawson County Courthouse (700 N. Washington St.)
Celebrate Recovery: Meetings at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Church’s Refuge Building (1105 Park St., Lexington) Contact: 308-324-4410.
Four Roads Group AA: meetings are held on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St., in Lexington.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Group Nueva Vida Lexington (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at 114 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
Full of Grace: Meetings from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St., in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
SMART Recovery meets at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 905 East 13th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sumner AA Group: meets Sundays and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. at 205 E. Fifth Avenue, in Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Bertrand Thurs Night Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Odie Group AA/NA: meetings at 8 p.m. on Sundays in Elwood at 501 Calvert Avenue.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St.) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church (2002 27th St.) in Gothenburg.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center (1201 N. Erie St., Lexington). For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350.
Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Immunization Clinic, first and third Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 W. Seventh St., Lexington. Previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-325-3436 or 308-325-3169.
Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 308-324-7364.
