Former Seward County deputy found not guilty of manslaughter

Jury exonerates Anthony Gann in 2023 killing of Hastings man during high-speed chase

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A former Seward County deputy was found not guilty of manslaughter in connection to the 2023 killing of a Hastings man. Prosecutors had accused Anthony Gann of unlawfully killing 43-year-old Jorge Luis Santana-Ramirez following a high-speed pursuit, but a jury exonerated Gann after about two and a half hours of deliberation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around police use of force, particularly in high-stress situations involving suspects fleeing law enforcement. The jury's decision to acquit Gann raises questions about when deadly force is justified and how such incidents are investigated and prosecuted.

The details

According to the defense, the incident began when Santana-Ramirez fled a police stop, driving the wrong way on I-80 at speeds over 100 mph. Gann reportedly spotted a knife in Santana-Ramirez's hand and ordered him to show his hands, which he refused to do. Gann then opened fire, killing Santana-Ramirez. The prosecution argued that video showed Gann firing into the back of the car, pausing, and then approaching to fire more shots, but the defense contended that Parmer, the responding officer, did not see the threat that Gann perceived.

  • On October 23, 2023, Santana-Ramirez fled a police stop, driving the wrong way on I-80 at over 100 mph.
  • On September 18, 2023, Santana-Ramirez had previously fled a traffic stop.
  • On October 23, 2023, Gann shot and killed Santana-Ramirez following the high-speed pursuit.
  • On February 13, 2026, a jury found Gann not guilty of manslaughter.

The players

Anthony Gann

A former Seward County deputy who was accused of unlawfully killing Jorge Luis Santana-Ramirez in 2023.

Jorge Luis Santana-Ramirez

A 43-year-old Hastings man who was killed by Gann during a high-speed pursuit in 2023.

Chase Parmer

The responding officer after Gann shot Santana-Ramirez, who the prosecution said did not see the threat that Gann perceived.

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What’s next

The case has raised ongoing questions about police use of force and when deadly force is justified, which may lead to further scrutiny and potential policy changes.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding police shootings, with the jury's decision to acquit the former deputy despite the prosecution's arguments raising concerns about how such incidents are investigated and prosecuted.