The Nebraska man who smiled in his mugshot after he was arrested in connection with a fatal Sonic Drive-In shooting faces additional charges.
Now, Roberto Carlos Silva Jr. is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, arson and four weapons charges, the Associated Press reported Monday afternoon (November 23).
Silva, 23, allegedly gunned down two employees and injured two others at a Sonic Drive-In in Bellevue on Saturday evening (November 21), shortly before 9:30 p.m. He’s being held without bond until he’s slated to appear in court Tuesday (November 24), according to the AP.
Initially, officers received a call about a bomb, which was later updated to a call about a shooting.
Authorities later explained that fireworks possibly set a U-Haul truck ablaze in the restaurant’s parking lot, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
Victims were later identified as Ryan Helbert, 28, and Nathan Pastrana, 22, who died at the scene. Kenneth Gerner, 25, and Zoey Reece Atalig Lujan, 18, were transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, according to police.
Silva, of Omaha, was arrested without incident and booked into the Sarpy County Jail. He was booked on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson at the time.
The public was quick to note Silva's mugshot, in which he grins ear-to-ear and apparently shows "no remorse."
The AP reported that Silva doesn’t appear to have a lawyer to speak for him at this time.
Silva’s family previously declined to speak with the World-Herald.
Chief Deputy Sarpy County Attorney Bonnie Moore said officials are still working to determine a motive for the shooting.
It wasn’t the first time Silva had been arrested near the Sonic restaurant.
On November 18, days before the shooting, Bellevue police conducted a traffic stop and arrested Silva for identity theft. He allegedly used someone else’s account on the Sonic app to charge $57 worth of hamburgers and corndogs. He was released the following day, making bail.
The community organization Bellevue First announced it will collect donations to help the victims and their families.
“Bellevue is a generous and giving community, one that cares for each one of the individuals that live here, and who would like a way to help those affected by this tragedy,” Bellevue First said in a statement. “Bellevue First is starting a fundraiser to be divided equally between the four individuals and families that were a part of this senseless tragedy…Everyone involved in the senseless tragedy is in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Bellevue Police Department notes that anyone with information should contact the department at 402-293-3106, or call the Sarpy County Crimestoppers at 402-592-STOP (7867).
Photo: Sarpy County Jail