Hayes B. Morgheim was 23 and living in Grand Island, Nebraska, when he was fatally shot on the morning of Sunday, June 4, 2023. Described as kind, shy, and devoted to his family, he had driven to Lincoln to pick up 23-year-old Emily Goodell after she said she felt unsafe with her husband. He brought her to his mother’s home on West Arizona Avenue.

In the pre-dawn hours, 26-year-old Rex Goodell arrived at the Morgheim residence. It is believed he located Emily, then shot Hayes outside the house before forcing his way inside and shooting Emily. As police arrived, Rex Goodell died by suicide. The Grand Island Police Department and the Hall County Attorney’s Office identified Rex Goodell as the sole suspect in the double murder-suicide.

Hayes is remembered for confronting danger while protecting another person. If anyone knew Hayes, Emily, or has information about what happened that morning, please share what can help the community and investigators.