Nebraska Man Accused of Brutal Motel Attack After Hammer Breaks, Grabs Fire Extinguisher to Keep Beating Victim

HENDERSON, NE — A Nebraska man is behind bars after deputies say he launched a relentlessly violent attack on two motel guests — beating one man with a hammer until it broke, then switching to a fire extinguisher while taunting the victim, “You aren’t dead yet?”

The York County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 49-year-old Roger Lee Abramson, who now faces charges of second-degree assault, terroristic threats, and third-degree assault.

Deputies Found Two Victims Outside the Sun Motel

The late-night incident unfolded around 11 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Sun Motel in Henderson, a small community located about 60 miles west of Lincoln.

When deputies arrived, they found a 78-year-old man bleeding inside a pickup truck. Nearby, a 53-year-old victim was injured so severely he could barely stand — but was still conscious enough to describe what happened.

Victim: Hammer Strikes “10 to 15 Times” Before It Snapped in Half

According to the probable cause affidavit, the younger victim said Abramson confronted him outside his room and immediately began swinging a hammer:

“He hit me 10 to 15 times,” the victim told deputies.
“Mostly on my head and my left forearm.”

The affidavit reports that Abramson kept beating the man even after the hammer broke, snapping in half from the force of the blows.

Blood spatter was found pooled outside the room, and investigators later recovered the broken hammer at the scene.

Abramson Allegedly Taunted the Victim, Then Grabbed a Fire Extinguisher

After the hammer broke, deputies say Abramson looked down at the severely injured man and taunted him:

“You aren’t dead yet?”

According to authorities, Abramson then grabbed a fire extinguisher and hit the victim another six to eight times, continuing the assault as the man shielded his head and face.

Police later found the fire extinguisher tossed into the back of a pickup truck.

Both victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.

Suspect Arrested; Motive Still Unclear

Deputies arrested Abramson without incident. A motive has not been detailed in the affidavit, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

Abramson remains held in the York County Jail on a $200,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.

What do you think pushes people into this level of violence — and how can communities prevent motel and roadside attacks like this? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.