Lincoln woman convicted of tampering with evidence in son’s abuse investigation

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The mother of a man convicted in a fatal child abuse case was found guilty of tampering with evidence Tuesday.

Karen Westecka, 60, of Lincoln, pleaded no contest to tampering with physical evidence and false information.

The charges stem from the investigation of Westechka’s son, Joshua Tackett, in the death of 22-month-old Rudy Requejo Jr.

Tackett was convicted in July of willful child abuse resulting in death.

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In March 2023, while police were surveilling Tackett’s home near Seventh and G streets, they saw Westechka go inside and come out with a pair of shoes and a rifle case.

Officers pulled her over after a traffic stop and she handed over the items, according to the arrest affidavit.

Court documents say Westecka knew police would want to interview her son as part of a child abuse investigation.

So she removed the gun from his house because Tackett was a felon and was prohibited from owning a firearm.

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In August, prosecutors brought two more charges against Vestetskaya for complicity in a criminal offense. But those charges were dropped Tuesday as part of a plea deal.

Vestetskaya is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5. She could face up to three years in prison.

SEE ALSO: Mother arrested in connection with death of 22-month-old baby, Lincoln police say

Tackett requested a new trial. The August court document alleges his rights were violated but does not provide specific examples.

Court records do not say when Judge Kevin McManaman will rule on the request. Tackett’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29.

The boy’s mother, Rachel Cook, was also convicted in his death. She will be sentenced on November 21.

SEE ALSO: Man arrested in death of 22-month-old baby, Lincoln police say