CRETE, Neb. — A white Nebraska man, described as withdrawn and confrontational, shot and wounded seven neighbors who are Guatemalan immigrants, and investigators said they have not ruled out racist motives.
About 15 people were at the victims’ home, mostly in the yard, when Billy Booth, 74, opened fire with a shotgun from his home in Crete around 4:30 p.m. Friday, officials said.
Booth committed suicide after the shooting. The victims, who are relatives and include four children between the ages of 3 and 10, are expected to survive.
The shootings shocked Crete, a diverse community of about 7,000 people about 70 miles southwest of Omaha. The population is about 50 percent Hispanic and nearly 25 percent foreign-born.
Booth largely kept a low profile, but had a history of conflict with his neighbors when he did come into contact with them. the Omaha World-Herald reported.
Police previously received a complaint from the family that Booth had made an obscene gesture and told them to go back where they came from and “speak English,” Crete Police Chief Gary Young said Saturday. The family has not filed any charges, he said.
According to him, investigators were trying to determine the motive and did not rule out a racist motive.
“The context of ‘going home’ and ‘speaking English’ lends itself to this,” the chef said.
Neighbors said Booth also had arguments with white neighbors on his street.
“He hated everyone,” said Dave Hansen, whose home is next door to Booth’s.