In Loving Memory of John Cyza (47)

With heavy hearts, we remember John Cyza, 47, of rural Duncan, Nebraska, whose life came to a tragic end after he was found deceased at a rural home in Polk County. His passing has brought sorrow and raised difficult questions as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. In this time of uncertainty and grief, it is important to remember John with dignity, compassion, and respect.

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, authorities were called to a rural Polk County residence, where they discovered John with multiple gunshot wounds. His death prompted a homicide investigation, and law enforcement agencies began searching for a suspect identified as 45-year-old Nathan Dohmen of Clarks, Nebraska.

During the search, officers located Dohmen’s vehicle on a rural road. As the sheriff examined the vehicle, authorities said Dohmen fired a rifle at him, but the sheriff was not struck. Dohmen then drove away and later reportedly stopped at a store in Bellwood, where authorities said he stole a case of beer.

Troopers subsequently located the vehicle with assistance from a State Patrol helicopter and ground units. Following a brief pursuit, Dohmen stopped in the driveway of a farmhouse northeast of David City. According to officials, he fired at troopers, who returned fire. Dohmen was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Neither the troopers involved nor the farmhouse resident was injured.

The investigations into John’s death and the subsequent shooting remain ongoing. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Nebraska State Patrol investigate the homicide, while the Butler County attorney requested a separate investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. The two troopers involved have been placed on administrative leave, and state law requires a grand jury investigation into an in-custody death.

While the investigation seeks to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragedy, John Cyza’s life deserves to be remembered beyond the details of the case. His death represents a painful loss, and our thoughts are with everyone who knew him and is grieving his passing.

May John Cyza rest in peace, and may those mourning him find comfort, strength, and support during this difficult time. May the truth emerge through the investigative process, and may all those affected find a measure of peace in the days ahead.

Rest in peace, John Cyza. Your life mattered, your memory deserves respect, and you will not be forgotten.