Omaha, Nebraska – Nebraska prosecutors have made the decision to forgo seeking the death penalty in the case of a Catholic priest’s murder in December. However, they are actively pursuing the death penalty in a separate case involving the brutal killing of a retiree during a break-in that occurred in the same small town four months earlier. This decision has stirred conversations surrounding the justice system in the state.
Charges have been filed against Kierre Williams for the fatal stabbing of Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, 65, during a break-in at the rectory next to St. John the Baptist Church in Fort Calhoun. The tragic event took place just hours before the priest was scheduled to lead mass on December 10. Similarly, William Collins faces charges for shooting Linda Childers, 71, multiple times with a crossbow before slitting her throat during a break-in at her isolated home about a mile north of the community in August.
Investigations have not revealed any connections between the suspects and the victims in these cases, which has added to the distress felt by the roughly 1,100 residents of the small town near Omaha. Both Williams and Collins have pleaded not guilty to murder, burglary, and weapons charges. Collins also faces additional charges of assault and theft, to which he has pleaded not guilty as well. They are both scheduled to appear in court to seek further details on the charges against them.
Collins’ attorney has refrained from commenting on the case outside of court. In a recent ruling, Judge Bryan Meismer upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty in Collins’ case, emphasizing that it is premature to determine if it is being applied fairly. Meanwhile, Williams’ attorney, Brian Craig, argues that the charges against his client do not meet the requirements under state law for a death penalty sentencing.
Prosecutors have outlined three aggravating circumstances in Collins’ case, aiming to prove them in court to justify the pursuit of a death penalty conviction. These circumstances include the heinous and cruel nature of Childers’ killing, suggesting that it was done to conceal Collins’ identity or another crime. The discovery of Childers’ body in her kitchen by a family member added to the horror of the situation. Collins was later apprehended in Texas after fleeing the scene with Childers’ vehicle, purse, and shotgun.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains in shock over the tragic events that have unfolded in their midst. The pursuit of justice and the debate over the death penalty continue to be at the forefront of discussions as the cases progress through the judicial system.