UPDATE: In a shocking development, Kierre Williams has pleaded guilty to the murder of Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, 65, who was fatally stabbed in a break-in at his rectory in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. Williams changed his plea during a routine pretrial hearing on October 24, 2023, just weeks before his scheduled sentencing on November 12.
Authorities confirmed that Williams will face life in prison for the brutal killing, which occurred just hours before Gutgsell was set to celebrate Mass. The violent incident has left the small town of approximately 1,100 residents reeling, especially after another unexplained murder in the area just months prior.
The first-degree murder charge carries a mandatory life sentence when the death penalty is not pursued, as was the case with the Washington County prosecutors, who opted against seeking capital punishment early in their investigation.
On the early morning of the attack, Gutgsell called 911 to report an intruder in his home. A responding deputy arrived minutes later to find the priest bleeding profusely from stab wounds in his kitchen. Gutgsell was immediately rushed to a hospital in Omaha, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators later discovered a broken knife with a serrated blade near the scene, further complicating the case. Despite extensive efforts, authorities struggled to establish any connection between Williams and the beloved priest. Williams, who had multiple felony convictions in other states, was employed at a meatpacking plant in Sioux City, Iowa at the time of the crime.
This heart-wrenching case has sparked discussions about community safety and the emotional toll on residents, who are still grappling with the aftermath of violence in their quiet town. As the sentencing date approaches, many are left wondering what justice truly means in the face of such a devastating loss.
Stay tuned for updates as this case continues to unfold.
