Beatrice man pleads to lowered charges, in December 2020 shooting death

BEATRICE – A 26-year-old Beatrice man has pleaded no contest to lesser charges in the December 2020 gunshot death of Alex Rader of Beatrice.
Under beefed up security in Gage County District Court Monday, Brandon Long entered the pleas to charges of making a terroristic threat and possession of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony.

Charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony were dismissed. The hearing produced a short outburst from a family member of the victim who quickly left the courtroom. District Judge Rick Schreiner issued a warning.

"At this point in the proceedings, we've already had one individual act completely inappropriately. I have yet to decide if I will drag that individual back in and take her into custody. I won't take any time to make that decision later. So, if anybody else acts the way she just acted, I will have you taken into custody until I can decide what to do with you, later."

Several family members of the victim were in the courtroom Monday morning, as Gage County Attorney Roger Harris gave the basis for the arrest and charges. Police were sent to a Beatrice home of Brandon Long and his fiancé, December 30th just prior to midnight, finding a man outside, critically wounded. Police provided aid before rescue personnel arrived on scene.

"Long and the other witness had been in the house, and they heard noises outside of the window. Mr. Long took a weapon and went outside the house and in the process of checking out the cause, the nature of the noise...saw a figure outside the corner of the house and discharged his weapon. Mr. Alexander Rader was hit by the bullet, and died later at the Beatrice Community Hospital," said Harris.  

Harris said after the hearing it was a complex case and his office wanted to make sure there was a conviction in the matter.

The convictions against Long, a former state corrections employee, carry a potential prison term of up to seven years and more than three years of post-release supervision. The judge advised the defendant of the sequence of sentencing.

"Sir, I must inform you because of the nature of these charges, specifically the deadly weapon charge...these sentences will run consecutive pursuant to law....you understand that?....(Long)...Yes, sir."

Judge Schreiner ordered a presentence investigation, and scheduled sentencing for February third (8:30 a.m.)  The amended charges were filed just prior to Monday morning’s plea hearing, which replaced a trial that was scheduled to begin Monday.