Suspect in Polk County murder, assault was awaiting sentencing for domestic assault

The man accused of a murder and assault before turning the gun on himself was awaiting sentencing on felony domestic violence and terroristic threats charges and had been released from jail days prior to the alleged incident.

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, 40-year-old Wesley Absher is suspected of killing 44-year-old Brian Gabel and assaulting a woman early Tuesday morning. Absher is being treated at a Lincoln hospital for “life-threatening injuries” believed to be from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The State Patrol said Absher’s wife, who had recently filed for divorce, drove to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Osceola to report a shooting and assault just after 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. She directed deputies to a business south of Shelby owned by Gabel.

Gabel was pronounced dead at his business, according to the State Patrol. Investigators said the female victim was present during the shooting and was kidnapped by Absher after Gabel was killed. She was taken to another location and assaulted before Absher shot himself, according to the State patrol.

The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that are not considered life threatening.

According to court documents, Absher was arrested on Feb. 8 and charged with felony domestic assault, terroristic threats and two counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony. Absher’s wife reported that he woke her up by holding a gun to her head, struck her in the back of the head with the gun, and then threatened to kill himself. She was treated at the hospital for a laceration on her head.

Absher faced four felony charges and was ordered held on 10% of a $250,000 bond, meaning he needed to pay $25,000 to be released. He was ordered to have no contact with his wife, who initiated divorce proceedings on Feb. 11, and not to possess any firearms.

On April 1, Absher pleaded no contest to felony assault and terroristic threats charges. The two firearms charges were dismissed, and sentencing was scheduled for June. He faced a maximum of 23 years in prison with no mandatory minimum.

Absher was released from custody on April 3 after paying $25,000. The suspected murder and assault occurred just three days later.

An online obituary for Gabel said he was a resident of Osceola and had three children. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Friday at the Evangelical Free Church in Stromsburg.