Seward, Nebraska — A Nebraska courtroom has closed the chapter on a horrifying domestic violence case after a man was sentenced for murdering his ex-fiancée just hours after being released from jail on charges tied to a previous attack against her.
The case has reignited conversations about protective orders, repeat offenders, and the dangers victims can still face even after seeking legal protection.
Mother of Two Killed Inside Her Own Home
Authorities say Casey Kindt, 55, broke into the home of his former fiancée, 36-year-old Jamie Hagen, late on the night of Feb. 8, 2025, in Seward, Nebraska.
Investigators said Kindt entered the residence on North 2nd Street and shot Hagen multiple times before attempting to take his own life.
Despite suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, Kindt survived after the bullet reportedly fragmented upon impact with his skull.
Nebraska State Patrol troopers responded to a disturbance call around 11:45 p.m. and quickly encountered Kindt outside the home.
Inside the residence, officers discovered Hagen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Daughter Made Desperate 911 Call
One of the most heartbreaking details of the case is that one of Hagen’s daughters was inside the home during the shooting.
Authorities confirmed the child was physically unharmed and was the person who made the initial 911 call after the violence erupted.
The victim’s obituary painted a touching picture of the mother of two and the life she built within the Seward community.
“Jamie worked for Region V as a Developmental Support Specialist. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She liked reptiles, tattoos, art, swimming and going to the beach. Jamie considered the entire community of Seward to be her family, the most important of which were her daughters[.]”
Prior Abuse and Threats Led to Protection Order
Court documents revealed that Hagen had already sought legal protection against Kindt before the fatal shooting.
Their relationship had ended months earlier, and Hagen obtained a protective order after Kindt allegedly assaulted and threatened both her and one of her daughters during a December 2024 incident.
According to investigators, Kindt shoved Hagen into shelving, walls, and doors during the altercation.
The affidavit also stated that the defendant threatened the victim, saying, “I will deck you, I will f—ing end you.”
Even after being arrested in the earlier case, prosecutors said Kindt continued attempting to contact Hagen through intermediaries after posting bond.
Authorities said he referenced potential allegations involving “child neglect and SNAP benefit fraud,” implying the issues could disappear if she cooperated with him.
Police arrested him again after Hagen reported the messages.
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Released From Jail One Day Before Murder
One of the most shocking details in the case is the timeline leading up to the killing.
Records show Kindt posted a $75,000 bond on Feb. 7, 2025.
Less than 24 hours later, Hagen was dead.
The tragedy has raised renewed concerns about how dangerous domestic violence situations can escalate after suspects are released from custody.
Judge Hands Down Major Sentence
Earlier this year, Kindt pleaded no contest to multiple felony and misdemeanor charges connected to the murder and earlier abuse incidents.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors reduced a first-degree murder charge to second-degree murder.
On Tuesday, the court sentenced him to a minimum of 88 years and six months in prison, with the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Hagen’s stepmother reacted emotionally to the sentence, saying:
“Eighty-eight and a half years. He’ll never see the light of day or freedom ever again. Justice served. It is enough.”
The sentencing officially closed three separate criminal cases tied to the abuse and killing of Jamie Hagen.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case and the issue of repeat domestic violence offenders? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
