A Nebraska woman who tried everything to protect herself became the victim of a brutal murder—just one day after the courts released her abusive ex-fiancé on bond. Jamie Hagen, 36, died from multiple gunshot wounds while a child inside the home called 911. That child survived, but the entire community remains shaken by a crime many believe could have been prevented.
Emergency Call Uncovers a Horrific Scene
On February 8, officers responded to a home in Seward County after receiving a 911 call from a terrified child. When authorities arrived, they found 54-year-old Casey Kindt outside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Inside the house, officers discovered Jamie Hagen already dead, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Medics treated Kindt at the scene and later transported him to a hospital in Omaha. He remains in legal custody and under medical supervision. Although the child who made the call was not physically injured, they witnessed the terrifying events unfold.
Violence Escalated in the Months Before the Murder
This tragedy didn’t happen out of nowhere. In December, Kindt broke into Hagen’s home. He threatened to kill her and her daughter and physically attacked her. As a result, law enforcement arrested him and charged him with:
- Terroristic threats
- Domestic assault in the third degree
- Child abuse
Despite those charges, Kindt was released on bond.
He Violated the Protective Order, But Still Walked Free
After his release, Kindt contacted Hagen again—this time, violating the protective order. He urged her to drop the charges, clearly showing he had no intention of following the court’s rules. Prosecutors requested that the court revoke his bail due to these actions.
However, the court set a new bond at $75,000, and Kindt posted bail again on February 7. Less than 24 hours later, he returned to Hagen’s home and fatally shot her.
Was This Murder Preventable? Many Say Yes
Critics argue that this tragedy could have been avoided if the justice system had taken repeated threats more seriously. Prosecutors tried to keep Kindt in custody, but bail was granted despite overwhelming evidence of risk. Now, a woman is dead, a child is traumatized, and a community is left to mourn.
Domestic violence advocates insist that more must be done to protect victims—especially when offenders have already violated court orders.
Remembering Jamie Hagen
Jamie Hagen was a mother, friend, and survivor who did everything in her power to stay safe. She filed reports, obtained a restraining order, and cooperated with the legal system. She deserved protection and peace. Instead, she lost her life to the very man she feared most.
Legal Action: What Happens Next?
Currently, Kindt remains hospitalized but in police custody. Once he recovers, he will likely face several charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Protective order violation
- Witness tampering
Authorities have confirmed that they intend to pursue the maximum penalties allowed by law. The community wants justice, and many hope this case will lead to meaningful reform.
A System Under Scrutiny
This tragedy reveals glaring weaknesses in how courts handle domestic violence cases. Many offenders return to their victims shortly after release. While protective orders are important, they are often not enough to stop determined abusers.
Advocates are now calling for several changes, such as:
- Denying bail in high-risk domestic violence cases
- Real-time monitoring of offenders
- Immediate jail time for restraining order violations
- Comprehensive threat assessments before bond hearings
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jamie Hagen?
She was a 36-year-old Nebraska woman murdered by her ex-fiancé just one day after he bonded out of jail.
What charges had Casey Kindt faced previously?
He was charged with terroristic threats, domestic assault, child abuse, and later, witness tampering.
Why was Kindt released from jail?
Despite serious charges and multiple violations, he posted bond and was released. The court did not revoke bail.
What happened to the child in the house?
The child who made the 911 call was not physically harmed but witnessed the murder.
Will Kindt face trial?
Yes. Once he recovers from his self-inflicted wound, he will face serious criminal charges in court.
Could this have been prevented?
Many believe it could have been. Advocates say stronger policies could save lives in cases like this.