Grand Jury: Bellevue Police Officers Not Indicted in Death of Justin Lieffers

A grand jury found no criminal conduct on the part of Bellevue police officers when they engaged with a man who became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. As a result, no criminal charges were recommended.

Bellevue police officers responded to a 911 call on August 10, 2025, upon reports of an unclothed male who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, in a caller’s backyard pool. The man, later identified as Justin Lieffers, left the caller’s residence and later came into contact with Bellevue police officers who attempted to take him into custody. After a physical struggle, Lieffers became unresponsive. Bellevue police officers rendered lifesaving measures until EMTs arrived on scene and transported Lieffers to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha where he was later pronounced deceased.

If a person dies while being apprehended or while in the custody of law enforcement, Nebraska state law mandates that a 16-person grand jury convene to review evidence and determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

The grand jury in this case received all evidence gathered by the multi-jurisdiction Sarpy County Force Investigation Team, led by a Sarpy County Sheriff’s Captain. As required by law, a team of deputy Sarpy County attorneys acted as the jurors’ counsel and presented evidence, including body and dash camera footage, law enforcement narratives, witness testimonies, and autopsy findings.  

The grand jury may also make recommendations on policy and procedure changes, which the jurors did not do in this case.  

“The grand jurors fulfilled an important civic responsibility, and the County Attorney’s Office extends our appreciation for their public service, sensitivity and their time in reviewing the full scope of the interactions between law enforcement and Mr. Lieffers,” Chief Deputy County Attorney John Reisz said.