In the small, close-knit community of Bloomfield, Nebraska, the morning of February 20, 2024, was shattered by an act of violence that claimed the life of 77-year-old Curtis Strom, a beloved local business owner. The incident unfolded at Curt's Lanes and Dining, a popular bowling alley that Strom had owned and operated for over five decades, making it a cornerstone of the town.
On that Tuesday morning, a report of a shooting sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a lockdown of local schools and businesses.
Inside the familiar establishment, law enforcement discovered the bodies of Strom and another man, 49-year-old William Reffett of Center. Both men had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The investigation quickly pointed to 25-year-old Alias Reed of Bloomfield as a person of interest. Reed was located and taken into custody shortly after the incident. Authorities believe that Reed entered the bowling alley armed with a shotgun, which he had concealed in a cardboard box, and initiated an argument with Reffett.
During the confrontation, Reed allegedly shot Reffett before turning the weapon on Strom. Investigators have stated that Strom was not involved in the initial dispute and was an innocent victim in the tragic event. Following the shootings, Reed allegedly stole money from the business before fleeing the scene.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a second individual, 27-year-old Kaylyne Sweazy, who is reported to be Reed's girlfriend. Sweazy faces charges of tampering with physical evidence. It is alleged that she assisted Reed in disposing of the shotgun used in the murders, which was later recovered by law enforcement in a ditch near a rural road west of Bloomfield. Reed has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and robbery.
