FEBRUARY 21, 2024 (BLOOMFIELD, NEB.) — The Nebraska State Patrol is able to release the names of the two victims killed in Tuesday’s shooting in Bloomfield. The victims have been identified as Curtis Strom, 77, and William Reffett, 49, both of Bloomfield.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., Knox County received a 911 call to report a shooting that had occurred at Curt’s Lanes and Dining, at 112 W. Grant Street in Bloomfield. At that location, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Bloomfield Police Department located Strom and Reffett deceased, each with apparent gunshot wounds. The Bloomfield Police Department requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol to investigate the incident.
Following preliminary investigation, two people have been arrested in connection with the murders. Alias Reed, 25, has been arrested for two counts of first-degree murder and robbery. Reed’s girlfriend, Kaylyne Sweazy, 27, has been arrested for tampering with evidence. Reed was lodged in Knox County Jail. Sweazy was lodged in Antelope County Jail.
Preliminarily, investigators believe that Reed took a shotgun to the bowling alley and instigated an argument with Reffett. During that altercation, Reed shot Reffett. Reed then shot Strom, who had not been involved in the altercation. Reed then fled the scene. He was located a short time later and taken into custody as a person of interest. Further investigation led to his arrest.
During the investigation, troopers located the firearm believed to be used in the murders. The firearm was found in a ditch several miles west of Bloomfield. Investigators believe that Reed and Sweazy traveled together to dispose of the weapon. Investigators have also located cash that had been stolen from the bowling alley.
The Nebraska State Patrol has been assisted by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Bloomfield Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.
