PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — A 41-year-old man has been convicted of shooting to death his father at the family home in Gretna, on the southwest side of Omaha.
Steven Braesch was found guilty Thursday in Sarpy County District Court of first-degree murder, a weapons charge and three counts of negligent child abuse. Investigators say Braesch shot his dad, 69-year-old William Braesch, five times within the clear view of three children under the age of 7. They are the slain man’s granddaughters.
Defense attorneys didn’t deny that Steven Braesch shot his father. They argued that it was manslaughter because it occurred during a heated argument. They also argued that Steve Braesch’s mental health problems contributed to his mental state.
Steven Braesch faces a life term when he’s sentenced on Oct. 6.