Special prosecutor assigned in Holdrege shooting case

(KHGI) A judge has assigned a special prosecutor to a Phelps County case where a shooting left two people dead and one injured in Holdrege.

Court documents say Phelps County Attorney Michael Henry sought the appointment of the Nebraska Attorney General and designated assistant attorneys general.

Judge Timothy Hoeft approved the order on Monday, saying they will serve as Special Deputy County Attorneys for the case without compensation.

However, prosecution expenses will still be the financial responsibility of Phelps County.

The suspect in the deadly shooting, identified as Manuel Gomez, 45, was arrested on Thursday is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first degree assault, three counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, one count of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, and operation of a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.

He could face the death penalty if convicted of the charges.

Authorities said Gomez is a felon from a previous crime, and was not allowed to have a gun.

He has a preliminary hearing set for March 1.

A judge also ordered Gomez to be held without bond due to the risk to public safety.

According to the Holdrege Police Department, they responded to a report of a shooting at 416 Logan Street on Thursday afternoon.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the incident and later identified another crime scene at the Sunrise View Apartments at 1422 12th Ave.

Gomez is the only suspect in all three shootings.

Raymond Burton, 65, David Rogers, 54, were two of the victims identified and pronounced dead at the scene.

The third victim, identified as Doyle Morse, 65, was able to call 911 after being shot.

He is listed in fair condition at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney.

The Nebraska State Patrol has been assisted by the Holdrege Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, and South Central Area Law Enforcement Services in the investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Holdrege Police Department at 308-995-4407 or the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office at 308-995-5692.

(This story was originally reported by our partner station KHGI)