(WatchDogReport.org) – In Nebraska, a Catholic priest was horrifically stabbed to death, and police have arrested a suspect from Iowa. The Reverend Stephen Gutgsell encountered an assault described as an “invasion” at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, according to information from the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Gutgsell was rushed to an Omaha hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The incident occurred in the small town of Fort Calhoun, which has a population of about 1,000 residents.
Law enforcement responded to a 911 call reporting a break-in at the church around 5 a.m. The officers discovered Gutgsell injured and arrested Kierre L. Williams, 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, inside. Williams faces charges of homicide and using a weapon for a felony.
Gutgsell had a past legal issue involving embezzlement, but church authorities stated he sought redemption. His brother, Rev. Michael Gutgsell, also faced theft charges earlier this year.
The affidavit revealed Gutgsell’s distress call about a man wielding a knife in his kitchen, leading to a struggle and screams. Deputy Brady Tucker found Gutgsell severely injured with Williams atop him.
The discovery of a bloodied knife in a bedroom and the unclear connection between the intruder and the victim raise questions. Williams has an extensive criminal history in Texas and Florida, including drug possession and evading law enforcement.
Williams faces other charges, including a Sioux City assault case and past convictions for robbery and drug-related offenses. His criminal past spans from his teenage years to recent years, involving offenses like substance possession and fleeing police.
The shocking incident has shaken Fort Calhoun, leading to concerns among residents over safety, especially in a typically serene town. Stephen Green, a longtime resident of Fort Calhoun, expressed, “I suppose the world is unpredictable. Anything can occur to anyone.” Green, not acquainted with Gutgsell personally, mentioned attending Lenten fish fries at the church and sending his children to vacation Bible school there.
Public records portray Williams’ troubled history with frequent legal troubles and convictions for various offenses.
Copyright 2023, WatchDogReport.org
