Stephen Gutgsell: Nebraska priest killed inside church was once arrested for stealing $125K from parish

FORT CALHOUN, NEBRASKA: Nebraska Catholic priest Stephen Gutgsell was fatally stabbed by suspect Kierre L Williams, who brazenly broke inside the St John the Baptist rectory in Fort Calhoun on Sunday morning, December 10, 2023.

In the wake of the tragedy, disturbing details have emerged, revealing that Gutgsell, 65, had a troubled past, including a previous conviction for embezzling $125,000 from his Omaha parishioners.

Priest Stephen Gutgsell's troubled past

Stephen Gutgsell's criminal history dates back to 2007 when he was arrested for stealing funds from his Omaha congregation, reportedly to cover extensive credit card debts.

Despite facing the possibility of 20 years in prison, he reached a deal that resulted in probation and a restitution payment of $40,000.

The former priest's life took a tragic turn on Sunday when he called 911 to report a break-in at the rectory, only to be found fatally wounded moments later.

What was the motive behind Gutgsell's tragic stabbing?

Williams, 43, of Sioux County, Iowa, was swiftly arrested and charged with homicide and the use of a weapon to commit a felony in connection to Gutgsell's murder. The motive behind the violent attack remains unknown and police have not disclosed if the men were acquainted before the incident.

However, Sheriff Mike Robinson of Washington County dispelled any immediate connection between Gutgsell's past criminal trouble and his tragic death. 

The Archdiocese of Omaha expressed profound sorrow in a statement, confirming that the priest was assaulted during an "invasion at the rectory."

"Please join Archbishop George Lucas in prayer for the repose of Father Gutgsell, for his family, and for the St. John the Baptist parish community in this tragic time," the statement read, as per Omaha World-Herald.

Stephen Gutgsell's brother Michael had troubled past too

In an eerie parallel, earlier this year, Gutgsell's brother, Father Michael Gutgsell, reached a plea deal after being accused of stealing nearly $200,000 from an elderly priest, Father Ted Richling.

Michael, facing charges of exploitation and theft, allegedly misused his power of attorney to exploit the vulnerable priest, as per Daily Mail.

Father Michael also faced accusations of stealing substantial sums from St Joseph Church in Springfield, Nebraska, though the charge was dropped after he repaid the money.

In an unusual twist, he gave the stolen funds to a homeless man, Michael Barrett, with the belief that Barrett would repay him.