In a tragic incident, a Catholic priest was fatally stabbed in the early hours of Sunday after a man broke into the church rectory of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. The victim, identified as Father Stephen Gutgsell, 65, sadly succumbed to his injuries at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities received a 911 call reporting a break-in at the church rectory, prompting deputies from the sheriff's office to arrive at the scene approximately six minutes later. The incident took place around 5 a.m. in Fort Calhoun, a rural community located around 20 minutes north of Omaha.

Father Stephen Gutgsell, along with his brother Michael Gutgsell, was a priest in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Both priests had previously faced legal trouble, as Stephen Gutgsell had been convicted of embezzling $127,000 from another church in 2007. His brother, Michael, recently pleaded guilty to stealing over $154,000 from a fellow priest and providing loans to a homeless individual, who was expected to repay the amount.

The Archdiocese of Omaha expressed their condolences and offered prayers for Father Stephen Gutgsell, stating, "The Archdiocese of Omaha is praying for Father Stephen Gutgsell, who was assaulted during an invasion at the rectory of St. John the Baptist parish in Fort Calhoun early Sunday morning." The archdiocese also urged the community to join Archbishop George Lucas in prayer for the deceased priest, his family, and the parish community during this tragic time.

As the investigation into the break-in and the murder continues, the Washington County Sheriff's Office is working diligently to uncover the details surrounding this shocking incident. At present, no further information has been released regarding the motive behind the break-in or the identity of the assailant.

The community of Fort Calhoun, deeply affected by this heartbreaking event, is grappling with the loss of a respected member of their religious community. The tragic death of Father Stephen Gutgsell serves as a reminder of the need for increased security and vigilance, even within places of worship, to safeguard the safety and well-being of all individuals.