A series of violent incidents and tragic accidents have dominated local conversations and digital feeds in the Lincoln area this week, driving a spike in the most watched videos in Lincoln this week. From a shocking murder-suicide in Polk County to a train derailment case reaching a legal turning point, the region is grappling with a sequence of events that have left communities searching for answers, and accountability.
The most visceral of these events unfolded early Tuesday morning, when a domestic dispute escalated into a multi-scene crime spree. The Nebraska State Patrol has since identified the suspect as 40-year-old Wesley Absher and the victim as 44-year-old Brian Gabel of Osceola. The incident began at a hog farm owned by Gabel, located near County Road T and 127th Road south of Shelby, where Gabel was shot and killed.
According to investigators, the violence did not end with the initial shooting. Absher allegedly kidnapped his wife, who had been present at the farm during the killing, and transported her to another property three miles away. There, she was assaulted before Absher turned a weapon on himself. The woman managed to drive herself to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Osceola to report the crimes just after 1:30 a.m. On Tuesday.
The aftermath of the shooting saw Absher transported to the Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln with life-threatening injuries, where he ultimately died on Wednesday. The surviving woman was treated at Columbus Community Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Court records reveal a history of volatility; Absher and the woman were in the process of a divorce and he had previously been convicted of second-degree assault and terroristic threats involving the same victim.
Legal Accountability and Social Media Crimes
While the Polk County tragedy is a current crisis, another case highlighting the intersection of crime and digital media reached a conclusion this week. Zachary Hertzler, 19, was convicted on Monday for an incident that occurred in April 2024 in Bennet. Hertzler had derailed a train and, in a move that drew significant attention online, posted a video of the act to the internet.
The legal proceedings concluded with Hertzler being found guilty of one count of criminal mischief involving damages exceeding $5,000. While he was initially facing two counts of criminal mischief, one was dropped as part of a plea agreement. The conviction underscores a growing trend of “clout-chasing” crimes where the recording of the act becomes as central to the event as the crime itself.
| Charge | Verdict | Potential Penalty | Sentencing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Mischief (>$5,000) | Guilty | Up to 2 years prison / $10,000 fine | June 22, 2026 |
Campus and Community Violence
The violence has not been limited to rural areas or adult offenders. At Lefler Middle School on Tuesday, a hallway altercation during dismissal led to a student being seriously injured. Lincoln Police report that a 14-year-old boy punched a 14-year-old girl multiple times. The victim suffered a cut above her eye and swelling of the nose; medical professionals noted the possibility of a brain bleed.
The accused student was referred for charges and released on suspicion of third-degree assault, which is classified as a misdemeanor. This incident has sparked renewed discussions among parents regarding student safety and the adequacy of supervision during high-traffic transition periods at local schools.
Simultaneously, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police Department (UNLPD) is investigating a sexual assault reported on Sunday, April 5. The alleged incident took place at The Village, a residence hall on the City Campus, between 11:37 p.m. Saturday and 1:15 a.m. Sunday. UNLPD stated the suspect is believed to be 21 years old and is known to the survivor.
Industrial Tragedy in Thayer County
Adding to the week’s heavy toll, a workplace accident in southeast Nebraska claimed the life of a local resident on Wednesday. Emergency responders from the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office and Deshler Fire and Rescue were called to Reinke Manufacturing, a facility specializing in mechanized irrigation products, near Road 5300 and Reinke Road.
Upon arrival at 1:45 p.m., first responders discovered 35-year-old Trenton Fuentez of Deshler pinned beneath several large pipes in a storage area. Fuentez was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks associated with heavy manufacturing and the critical importance of industrial safety protocols.
Summary of Week’s Impact
- Public Safety: A murder-suicide and kidnapping in Polk County highlighted the dangers of domestic violence escalations.
- Youth Violence: A serious assault at a middle school has raised alarms regarding adolescent aggression.
- Campus Security: An investigation into a sexual assault at UNL’s City Campus emphasizes the need for residential safety.
- Workplace Safety: A fatal crushing accident at Reinke Manufacturing underscores industrial risks.
- Digital Crime: The conviction of Zachary Hertzler illustrates the legal consequences of filming and sharing criminal acts.
Disclaimer: This report contains information regarding legal proceedings and criminal allegations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you or someone you realize is struggling with domestic violence or mental health crises, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
The community now looks toward June 22, 2026, when Zachary Hertzler is scheduled for sentencing. Meanwhile, investigations into the UNL campus assault and the Lefler Middle School incident remain active as police seek further evidence and witness statements.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on community safety and school security in the comments below. Please share this story to preserve the community informed.
