The alleged assailant responsible for fatally stabbing a Catholic priest has been identified as Kierre L. Williams, a 43-year-old resident of Sioux County, Iowa.

The arrest follows the tragic incident at the rectory of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, where 65-year-old Rev. Stephen Gutgsell lost his life during an invasion.

Williams now faces charges of homicide and the use of a weapon to commit a felony, as announced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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The distressing event unfolded when Gutgsell placed a 911 call around 5 am, reporting an attempted break-in at the rectory.

Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the injured priest and an alleged assailant inside, with Williams’s motive for the attack remaining unclear.

Despite being rushed to an Omaha hospital, Gutgsell succumbed to the stab injuries, according to church officials.

The suspect, Williams, was taken into custody and is currently held at the Washington County Jail, while the sheriff’s office continues its investigation.

Notably, Williams is not a local resident, hailing neither from Fort Calhoun nor Nebraska, as indicated by sheriff’s officials.

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The local church released a statement acknowledging the ongoing investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, providing no further details at this time.

The church urged the community to join Archbishop George Lucas in prayer for the repose of Father Gutgsell, his family, and the St. John the Baptist parish community during this tragic period.