In the early morning hours of July 9, 1977, a day that began like any other in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the life of a young police officer, Gary Robert White, a 24-year-old Caucasian male, was tragically cut short. Having been with the Nebraska City Police Department for a mere nine days, Officer White was filled with the dedication and excitement of a man embarking on a new career in a job he was proud to have. Previously, he had served with the St.
Joseph Police Department, bringing a desire to help people to his new role.
On that fateful night, Officer White and his partner, Officer Peter Rishel, responded to a domestic disturbance call. The call involved a man named Robert Beers, who was wanted for questioning regarding an earlier domestic assault. The officers located Beers and attempted to stop his truck behind the police department. When the truck came to a halt, Beers opened fire with a 20-gauge shotgun. A blast struck Officer White below his protective vest. Officer Rishel was also wounded in the exchange. Despite their injuries, both officers were able to return fire, though they did not hit the suspect.
Following the shooting, Robert Beers fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. Officer White was rushed to a local hospital, but his wounds proved to be fatal. His partner, Officer Rishel, survived the ordeal. The man responsible for the violent encounter, Robert Beers, was subsequently arrested and faced justice for his actions. On December 16, 1977, he was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Officer White and sentenced to life in prison. Beers died in prison on January 18, 1993, never again to know a day of freedom after taking the life of a young officer with a promising future.
