Crete, Nebraska – Seven people, including four children aged three to ten, sustained injuries in a shooting incident on Friday afternoon in Crete, Nebraska. The suspected shooter, 74-year-old Billy Booth, was later found deceased in his residence from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Captain Sean Caradori of the Nebraska State Patrol stated that the shooting took place around 4:30 pm on Crestline Drive in a residential area of Crete. Fortunately, Caradori mentioned during a press conference that all the victims are expected to survive.
According to Colonel John A. Bolduc of the Nebraska State Patrol, the shooter fired multiple rounds from inside his residence. Officials mentioned that there was no verbal interaction between Booth and the victims before the shooting, although there was a history of conflict between Booth and the victims’ families.
The incident seems to have stemmed from a previous report in which victims alleged that Booth made derogatory remarks towards them. Police Chief Gary Young stated that there was a potential racial motivation behind the shooting, although this has not been definitively confirmed.
Initially, six injured individuals were reported, but a seventh victim came forward later in the evening. All victims were transported to the Crete Area Medical Center, with some being subsequently transferred to other medical facilities for further treatment.
While all victims are expected to survive, Bolduc noted that their recovery process might be lengthy. Additionally, investigators confirmed that Booth was found deceased inside his home, where they also discovered firearms, one of which is believed to have been used in the shooting.
Authorities do not suspect any additional suspects in the case and are still working to determine the motive behind the incident. The Nebraska State Police SWAT Team responded to the scene, ensuring the safety of the public. Caradori assured residents that the situation has been resolved, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.