In a story that proves justice can be delayed but not denied, Omaha authorities have finally made an arrest in a decades-old double homicide that devastated an entire community. The chilling 1979 murders of a young mother and her 7-year-old son haunted the city for over four decades. But thanks to relentless investigative work and modern forensic breakthroughs, justice may finally be catching up.
The Gruesome Crime That Shocked Omaha
It was April 24, 1979, when Omaha police officers responded to a reported burglary and possible abduction at a home on Binney Street. What they found inside was far worse than they had feared.
The bodies of 26-year-old Deroshia Matthews and her young son, 7-year-old Kamal Matthews, lay lifeless. The crime scene bore all the signs of a violent, calculated, and deeply personal attack. Their deaths sent shockwaves through the quiet community, leaving friends, neighbors, and family traumatized.
Initial Arrest—And Its Collapse
Years later, in 2004, a break in the case seemed possible. Police arrested Abdulmalik Husain, who had previously gone by the name Louis Walker. However, the evidence was too thin. In less than a year, prosecutors dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence, leaving the Matthews family once again in agony and despair.
Justice Delayed—But Not Forgotten
The case might have grown cold in the traditional sense, but it never left the minds of Omaha detectives. With the evolution of DNA technology, dormant evidence took on new life. Police revisited the case, examining old samples under new forensic lenses. What they found led them right back to a familiar name: Abdulmalik Husain.
On February 12, Omaha police announced his re-arrest, charging him with two counts of murder. Now 67 years old, Husain was booked into Douglas County Corrections, awaiting trial for a crime that stole two innocent lives and forever changed a family.
A Message from Omaha’s Police Chief
In a statement that reflected both pride and solemnity, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer underscored the gravity of the case:
“Murders are never forgotten, and justice has no expiration date. The depraved nature of this double homicide—one victim being a child—was bound to receive our utmost attention. Our commitment to these victims and their family never wavered.”
The Role of DNA in Cracking Cold Cases
The resurrection of this case highlights how far forensic science has come. What was once inconclusive is now instrumental. DNA samples collected in 1979, analyzed through modern lab techniques, became the key to finally solving the Matthews murder mystery.
Across the U.S., cold cases once considered unsolvable are being re-opened, thanks to advances in genetic databases, criminal genealogy, and lab automation.
Family Relief After Decades of Pain
For the Matthews family, the arrest brings more than closure—it brings hope. Though justice took over four decades to arrive, its impact is no less powerful. The emotional toll of losing a young mother and child in such a horrific way can never be erased, but accountability brings a measure of peace.
There are still questions that only a trial might answer, but for the first time in 45 years, there’s progress.
What Happens Next in Court?
Husain will face two counts of first-degree murder in a Nebraska courtroom. With newly validated evidence in hand, the prosecution is expected to argue that he was responsible for both killings.
If convicted, Husain could face life in prison, a small measure of justice for crimes so grave.
Why Cold Cases Still Matter
Cases like this serve as critical reminders: justice never expires. Victims deserve to be remembered, and their families deserve answers—no matter how long it takes.
Every solved cold case sends a powerful message: murder will not be forgotten, and killers can’t simply wait out the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims in the 1979 Omaha cold case?
Deroshia Matthews (26) and her son Kamal Matthews (7) were murdered in their home.
Who was arrested in 2024 for the murders?
Abdulmalik Husain (formerly Louis Walker), 67, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
Was he previously arrested for the same crime?
Yes, he was arrested in 2004 but released due to lack of evidence.
How did police solve the case now?
Using advancements in DNA technology, investigators re-examined the evidence, which led to Husain’s re-arrest.
Where is Husain now?
He is being held at Douglas County Corrections in Omaha, Nebraska.
Will there be a trial?
Yes. Husain is expected to face trial for first-degree murder in the coming months.