Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Nebraska Priest, Faces Life Sentence. A Nebraska man has pleaded guilty to the murder of Father Stephen Gutgsell, a Catholic priest fatally stabbed in his rectory in December 2023.
Father Gutgsell, 65, served at St. John the Baptist Parish in Fort Calhoun when deputies discovered him critically injured following a break-in at the parish rectory. Authorities arrested 43-year-old Kierre L. Williams at the scene. Initially pleading not guilty and intending to pursue an insanity defense, Williams changed his plea on Oct. 21, 2025, admitting guilt to charges of murder, burglary, and weapons violations.
“We are glad that Mr. Williams chose to hold himself accountable and not put Father Gutgsell’s family, relatives, friends, or this community through a trial,” said county prosecutor Scott Vander Schaaf. Prosecutors confirmed they will not seek the death penalty. Williams now faces a potential life sentence without parole, with sentencing scheduled for Nov. 12.
According to an affidavit, Father Gutgsell called 911 early on Dec. 10, 2023, reporting a man armed with a knife in his kitchen. Deputies arrived around 5 a.m. to find Gutgsell severely injured, with Williams lying across his chest. The priest was rushed to a hospital in Omaha, where he later died.#
Investigators have found no apparent link between Williams and Father Gutgsell in the small community of roughly 1,100 residents.
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