The small community of Fort Calhoun is mourning the loss of a beloved Catholic priest, Reverend Stephen Gutgsell, who tragically died after being attacked in the rectory of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Sunday. The Archdiocese of Omaha released a statement confirming that Gutgsell was assaulted during an invasion at the church, and was subsequently taken to an Omaha hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

A Catholic priest in Nebraska has been murdered, there was an “invasion” at his parish and he died at the hospital due to his injuries. Authorities are refusing to release the name of the murderer. People should be demanding for this information to be released.

— ☃️🎄 Catholic Charm ✞ 🎄☃️ (@CatholicCharm) December 10, 2023

Grief and shock have swept through the tight-knit community of Fort Calhoun, which is home to approximately 1,000 residents. Situated just 20 miles north of Omaha, the town is typically known for its peaceful atmosphere. However, this senseless act of violence has left the community reeling. Authorities were alerted to the incident after receiving a 911 call reporting an attempted break-in at the church in the early hours of Sunday morning. Upon arrival, officers discovered Gutgsell injured, and an alleged attacker was apprehended at the scene.

Washington County Sheriff Mike Robinson emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and the suspect's identity and the exact cause of death will not be released at this time. Reverend Stephen Gutgsell's tragic death marks a dark episode in a life that has seen both redemption and tragedy. In 2007, Gutgsell pleaded guilty to theft by deception for embezzling $127,000 from another church in the area. He was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution. However, church leaders stood by him, stating that Gutgsell had learned from his mistake, admitted wrongdoing, and sought forgiveness.

He was later reassigned to the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. It is important to note that local law enforcement authorities have stated that they do not believe Gutgsell's criminal history is connected to his tragic death. The circumstances surrounding the attack are still under investigation, and it would be premature to draw any conclusions at this time. The loss of Reverend Stephen Gutgsell has brought immense sorrow to the Fort Calhoun community, where he was known for his dedication to his parishioners and his devotion to his faith. As the investigation unfolds, the community will come together to mourn their beloved priest and seek solace in their shared grief.