Naturalism and Omission of Supernatural Realities in Reporting Priest’s Murder
Catholic News Agency reports the sentencing of Kierre Williams to life imprisonment for the December 2023 murder of “Father” Stephen Gutgsell at St. John the Baptist Parish in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. The article emphasizes the legal outcome, emotional reactions from the victim’s family, and biographical details about Gutgsell, including his ordination in 1984 and pastoral work. Washington County Chief Deputy Attorney Erik Petersen claimed the crime “shattered the innocence” of the town, while Gutgsell’s sister lamented his absence as “stolen from his family and parish.” The funeral occurred at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha under the auspices of the “Archdiocese of Omaha.”









