Carter Lake Homicide: Nebraska & Iowa Investigate Lincoln Connection

Authorities in Nebraska and Iowa are investigating a homicide in Carter Lake, Iowa, with connections to an incident in Lincoln, Nebraska. The investigation began after a man, later identified as Joseph Bertolino, made concerning statements while in custody in Lincoln following an assault on a police officer.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Lincoln police responded to a disturbance at an Arby’s restaurant located at South 27th Street and Nebraska Parkway around 9:55 p.m., according to reporting from KOLN. Joseph Bertolino, 36, of Jacksonville, Florida, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree assault on an officer. He is currently being held without bond in Lancaster County, Nebraska.

While in custody, Bertolino reportedly referenced an event that occurred earlier that evening at the Country Inn and Suites hotel in Carter Lake, Iowa. Lincoln police subsequently notified their counterparts in Carter Lake. Around the same time, the Carter Lake Police Department received a request for a welfare check at the same hotel, as reported by KOLN and WOWT.

Upon responding to the welfare check, officers discovered a deceased male inside a hotel room. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been called in to assist with the investigation. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, according to both KOLN and WOWT.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety stated that charges are pending in Iowa in connection with the Carter Lake homicide. The investigation is ongoing.

Bertolino’s arrest in Lincoln followed a disturbance at the Arby’s restaurant. WOWT reported that Bertolino was taken to the Lancaster County jail on suspicion of attempted first-degree assault on an officer.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.