In the quiet town of Sutherland, Nebraska, a horrifying chapter unfolded on the evening of October 18, 1975, forever marking the community with the tragic loss of multiple lives, including that of a young boy named Daniel Leroy Kellie. Daniel, a five-year-old White male, was with his family at his grandparents' home when a neighbor, Erwin Charles Simants, embarked on a violent rampage. The events of that fateful day began after Simants had been drinking at a local bar.
He was taken to his sister's residence, which was situated next door to the Kellie family's home.
Sometime after 8:00 p.m., Simants armed himself with a. 22-caliber rifle from his brother-in-law's bedroom and proceeded to the Kellie residence. Over the next hour, a scene of unimaginable terror unfolded within the walls of the home. Simants shot and killed six members of the Kellie family. Among the victims were Daniel, his seven-year-old sister Deanna Lynn Kellie, his ten-year-old sister Florence Marie Kellie, his thirty-two-year-old father David LeRoy Kellie, his fifty-seven-year-old grandmother Audrey Marie Matson Kellie, and his sixty-six-year-old grandfather James Henry Kellie. Daniel's small body was later found draped over his father's in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen. All the victims died from gunshot wounds.
Following the murders, Simants returned to his sister's home, where he confessed to his nephew what he had done. He then contacted his parents and told them as well. His father went to the Kellie home to verify the horrific claim and, upon discovering the scene, had his wife alert the authorities. Simants was arrested the following morning. He was subsequently charged with six counts of first-degree murder.
Erwin Charles Simants was found guilty of the murders and was initially sentenced to death. However, this verdict was later overturned due to jury tampering. In a subsequent trial, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to a state psychiatric hospital. Over the years, Simants has remained in custody at the Lincoln Regional Center, with periodic reviews to determine his mental state and whether he continues to pose a danger to society. The Kellie family survivors have consistently opposed any potential release.
