WAYNE COUNTY, Neb. – Nearly three years after a shocking murder in Wisner, Nebraska, a key development has emerged, Carl Ruskamp has been deemed competent to stand trial.

The Wayne County District Court made the determination after Ruskamp underwent multiple mental competency evaluations throughout 2024 and early 2025. He is charged with the murder of Gerald Ruskamp, which occurred on September 7, 2022.

According to court records, Gerald Ruskamp was found at his rural Wisner home, having been fatally shot in the back of the head with a .22 rifle. Carl Ruskamp, now 33, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, as well as two other felony counts.

Initially, Carl Ruskamp claimed to have heard a gunshot and witnessed an individual dressed in black fleeing the scene. Authorities also discovered a marijuana growing operation on the property.

However, the investigation took a turn when the Nebraska State Patrol uncovered a troubling detail: Carl Ruskamp's phone contained Google searches made just four days before the murder, with queries related to headshots and brain damage.

Following a pretrial conference held Wednesday morning, a jury trial has been set for November 18 in Wayne County District Court. The case continues to draw significant attention from the local community as the legal proceedings move forward.