Columbus man sentenced to life in prison for murder of elderly Columbus man

Today, Platte County District Court Judge Rachel A. Daugherty sentenced Michael J. Keener, 31, to 85 years to life in prison for the January 2022 murder of Larry A. Houdek, 77, in Columbus, Nebraska.

On the evening of January 16, 2022, Houdek was found dead in his Columbus residence by the Columbus Police Department. An autopsy revealed that Houdek's death was the result of multiple stab wounds.

A good Samaritan called police to report concerns about injuries he had observed on Keener. Keener then told a Columbus police officer that he had just killed a man. After receiving treatment for his superficial injuries, Keener took officers to the residence where Houdek's body was located. At the time of his arrest, Keener was found in possession of various items belonging to Houdek.

In February of this year, Keener pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon after prosecutors agreed to reduce the charge from first to second-degree murder and dismiss a third charge of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person. Keener will serve 65 years to life for second-degree murder and an additional 20 to 25 years for use of a deadly weapon served consecutively.

The Columbus Police Department, Platte County Sheriff's Department, Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab, Platte County Prosecutor's Office and Nebraska Attorney General's Office assisted in the investigation, arrest and prosecution of this case.