In the quiet community of Wisner, Nebraska, the life of 65-year-old Gerald Ruskamp, a White male, came to a tragic and violent end on September 7, 2022. On that evening, a distress call was made to Cuming County Dispatch, but the caller quickly hung up. When authorities called the number back, they spoke with Geraldï s son, Carl Ruskamp, who claimed his father had been shot. Upon arriving at the rural residence, law enforcement found Gerald Ruskamp on the living room couch with a gunshot wound to his head. He was transported to Providence Medical Center in Wayne, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Initially, Carl Ruskamp, then 31 years old, told investigators a story of a mysterious intruder. He claimed to have been outside when he heard a gunshot and saw a masked individual dressed in black fleeing the scene. However, as the Nebraska State Patrol delved deeper into the case, this narrative began to unravel. During a search of the property, investigators discovered a marijuana grow operation, leading to the initial arrest of Carl and his uncle, Duane Ruskamp, on drug-related charges. A critical piece of evidence, a. 22 caliber rifle, was also found at the residence.
The investigation pivoted to focus squarely on Carl Ruskamp as the primary suspect. An examination of his cell phone revealed disturbing information, including threatening text messages sent to his father the day before the shooting, seemingly over financial disputes. Furthermore, his Google search history from the days leading up to the incident included troubling queries such as "headshot to the head" and "front of brain damage inside." Forensic analysis provided a strong link between the suspect and the crime. The. 22 caliber rifle discovered in the home was confirmed to be the murder weapon. Carlï s DNA was found on the gun, and his father's DNA was found on the t-shirt Carl was wearing at the time of his arrest. His uncle Duane also told authorities he had heard Carl say something akin to "Kill Ger" earlier on the day of the murder following an argument with his father.
In October 2023, Carl Ruskamp was officially charged with first-degree murder, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a deadly weapon by a felon. The legal proceedings that followed saw a period where he was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a treatment center to restore competency. By September 2025, he was found competent, and legal proceedings resumed. Carl Ruskamp pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a jury trial was scheduled for November 2025.
