In a shocking incident, 65-year-old Catholic priest Rev. Stephen Gutgsell was stabbed to death in an invasion at the rectory of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. The alleged perpetrator, Kierre L. Williams, 43, of Sioux County, Iowa, was arrested and charged with homicide and use of a weapon.
Gutgsell made a distress call to 911 around 5 am, reporting an attempted break-in. When the police arrived, they found the priest injured and Williams inside the rectory. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Despite being taken to an Omaha hospital, Gutgsell succumbed to his stab injuries. Williams is now in custody at Washington County Jail, and the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff's officials noted that Williams is not from the local area, raising questions about the motive.
The local church, in a statement, urged prayers for the repose of Father Gutgsell, his family, and the St. John the Baptist parish community during this tragic time. The Washington County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate, with no further details available at this time. Please join Archbishop George Lucas in prayer for the affected individuals and the community.