Carl Ruskamp, of Wisner, waived his right to have a preliminary hearing in Wayne County Court on Monday. His case moved to District Court where he is being charged with offenses.
The charges against the 31-year-old include first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 7.
Ruskamp also awaits trial on a series of marijuana-related charges after authorities found a growing operation on his property, according to court documents.
In early September of 2022, Ruskamp allegedly shot his father, Gerald Ruskamp, 65, with a .22 caliber rifle in the head, according to court documents and lab reports. When police and emergency medical services arrived at the property at 320 Y Road, Gerald was found lying on the living room couch and was pronounced dead at Providence Medical Center.
When questioned, Ruskamp told police he heard a gunshot and saw a person dressed in all black run north from the property. Duane Ruskamp, Carl's uncle, who did farm work north of the house at the time, did not see anyone.
Ruskamp's behavior in the weeks leading up to the shooting included making concerning searching such as "headshot to the head" and "front of brain damage inside." Duane also told authorities Carl had said something sounding like "Kill Ger" after an argument with his father, Gerald.
Lab tests confirmed the rifle from the Ruskamp property was used in the shooting and the blood on Carl's T-shirt matched that of his father.
As for Duane Ruskamp's role in the marijuana growing operation, he pleaded no contest to possession of less than a pound of marijuana. For this charge, he was fined $300 and court costs.
Carl is being held at the Nebraska Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln and makes trips up to the Wayne Courthouse when his trial ensues.
His bond remains set at one million dollars.
