Authorities in Cass County have arrested 21-year-old Liberian man Derrick Lobbo in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, 23-year-old Sakeena Khaadi, at their apartment in Horace early Wednesday morning.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reported that the tragic incident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on November 5 at an apartment complex located at 7994 Jacks Way. Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls about gunfire and a woman in distress, prompting a swift and extensive emergency response.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Khaadi lying in the hallway of the apartment building with a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by two women who performed CPR before emergency personnel arrived, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff Jesse Jahner revealed that several people were present inside the apartment at the time of the shooting. The Red River Regional Dispatch Center received four separate emergency calls during the unfolding chaos.
“We received a lot of information quickly, and the situation was rapidly changing,” Sheriff Jahner said. “Numerous individuals witnessed different moments, so it takes time for responders to arrive, provide medical aid, and secure the scene.”
Following the shooting, Lobbo reportedly fled the apartment and went to the Sanford Horace Clinic to seek help. Witnesses later saw him running and shouting near the complex, leading deputies to detain him without incident.
Authorities confirmed that Lobbo and Khaadi were in a romantic relationship and shared a two-year-old child, who was present inside the apartment at the time of the shooting. The child was found near a firearm but was unharmed. The toddler has since been placed in the care of relatives.
According to reports, Lobbo claims the shooting was accidental, stating that his girlfriend was playing with his gun when it went off. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events surrounding the incident.
Lobbo was taken to the Cass County Jail, where he currently faces the following charges:
1. Reckless Endangerment – Extreme Indifference with a Dangerous Weapon (Felony)
2. Child Neglect – Parental Care (Family Offense/Non-Violent) (Felony)
3. Failure to Appear Warrant – Driving Under Suspension (Misdemeanor)
4. Failure to Appear Warrant – Possession of Controlled Substance: Marijuana (Infraction)
Authorities have indicated that additional charges related to the fatal shooting are expected as the investigation continues.
Cass County State’s Attorney Kim Hegvik stated that prosecutors are reviewing the full evidence before filing homicide-related charges.
“He is in custody, but we haven’t yet filed formal charges,” Hegvik said. “We want to ensure the investigation is complete so we can proceed properly.”
During the emergency, a Cass Clay Alert was issued to notify residents of the ongoing situation. Sheriff Jahner later acknowledged that some individuals may not have received the alert and urged residents to register for future notifications through the county’s website.
Officials emphasized that the shooting appears to have been a domestic-related, isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The case remains under active investigation by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the County Coroner’s Office, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
A press briefing is scheduled for November 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cass County Courthouse to provide further updates on the ongoing case.
