Suspect in Hog Farmer Murder and Ex-Wife Kidnapping Dies in Hospital
Wesley Absher, a 40-year-old Nebraska man accused of killing a hog farmer and kidnapping his estranged wife, has died in hospital, according to state police authorities. The incident unfolded on Tuesday when Absher arrived at a farm owned by 44-year-old Brian Gabel and allegedly shot him.
Violent Incident and Kidnapping
After carrying out the fatal shooting, Absher kidnapped his own ex-wife, who had been present at the farm at the time. He drove her approximately three miles away and allegedly assaulted her during the ordeal. Following this, Nebraska State Police believe Absher shot himself.
The kidnapped woman managed to drive to the Polk County Sheriff's Office in Osceola shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday to report both the shooting and the assault. Deputies promptly secured both crime scenes, and Absher was transported to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln with life-threatening injuries, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
Background and Previous Legal Issues
Nebraska State Police confirmed that Absher had bonded out of jail just days before the shooting occurred and was in the process of divorcing his wife when the tragic incident took place. The woman was taken to Columbus Community Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Court documents reveal that Absher had previously been found guilty of second-degree assault and terroristic threats in a separate case involving the same woman on February 8. In that earlier incident, Absher was accused of threatening his wife and assaulting her with a weapon while also threatening to kill himself.
He was arrested at the hospital following that February incident and accepted a plea deal on April 1. Absher was released on bond on April 3 and was scheduled to be sentenced on June 10 for those previous charges.
Aftermath and Investigation
Brian Gabel's funeral was held on Friday as the community mourned the loss of the hog farmer. The Polk County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Police continue their investigation into the full circumstances surrounding Tuesday's violent events.
This tragic case highlights the complex dynamics of domestic violence situations and the potential for escalation even when legal proceedings are underway. Authorities are examining all aspects of the case, including the timeline of events and Absher's recent release from custody prior to the fatal incident.
