Student dies in alleged homicide

An autopsy Sunday indicated that Pfeiffer was stabbed more than 50 times, with individual stab wounds to the head, neck and chest regions being fatal.

Charges were filed Monday against Joseph Hotz of Rushville.

Hotz was arrested at gunpoint Friday evening by Chadron police officers, according to a release from law enforcement officials. The officers chased Hotz on foot after he attempted to break into one home and did break into another where he confronted the residents while brandishing two knives before fleeing.

Pfeiffer, 22, was a CSC sophomore studying to be a physical education teacher and Hotz a senior studying natural sciences with an option in biology.

"I, along with the rest of the community, am saddened by this tragedy," said CSC President Dr. Janie Park. "Although we Chadron residents consider our community to be among the safest, we know bad things can happen anywhere. It is always upsetting when a student dies, but the circumstances surrounding this death are especially distressing."

Questions about the case are being directed to the Dawes County Attorney’s Office. CSC students or employees seeking counseling should call the Student Academic Success Services Office at 308-432-6461.

See also: Saturday afternoon's statement by CSC President Janie Park

Please refer to the following media outlets for more information (Updated Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m.):

Chadron Record (4, 3, 2, 1)
Double Q Country (3, 2, 1)
Chadrad.com (6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1)
Omaha World-Herald (3, 2, 1)
Orlando Sentinel (1)