A man has been apprehended in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Catholic Nebraska priest who was attacked in a church rectory over the weekend in a small community, according to authorities.
The assault on Reverend Stephen Gutgsell occurred on Sunday during what was described as an “invasion” at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, as stated by the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Gutgsell, who sustained injuries during the incident, was transported to an Omaha hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, as reported by church officials. Fort Calhoun, with a population of around 1,000 people, is situated approximately 20 miles north of Omaha.
Police responded to a 911 call reporting an attempted break-in at the church just after 5 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Gutgsell injured and a suspected assailant inside. Kierre L. Williams, aged 43, was arrested on charges of homicide and using a weapon to commit a felony, according to a statement from Washington County Sheriff Mike Robinson.
Williams, hailing from Sioux City, Iowa, located about 85 miles north of Fort Calhoun, has not clarified whether he has legal representation. Attempts to reach the county jail for comment were unsuccessful.
In 2007, Gutgsell pleaded guilty to theft by deception, admitting to embezzling $127,000 from a local church. He received probation and was ordered to pay restitution. Despite this incident, church leaders contended that Gutgsell had learned from his mistake, acknowledged wrongdoing, and sought forgiveness. Subsequently, he was reassigned to another church. Earlier this year, his brother, Reverend Michael Gutgsell, also pleaded guilty to theft charges. Michael had served as chancellor of the Omaha Archdiocese from 1994 until 2003.
Sheriff Robinson stated to media that authorities do not believe Stephen Gutgsell’s death is connected to his criminal history. However, he did not respond to questions about this matter from The Associated Press on Sunday.
You can also read: Ex-Marine Admits Guilt in Planned Parenthood Firebombing Case
Riley Johnson, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Omaha, declined to provide further comments, confirming only that Stephen and Michael Gutgsell were brothers.