Polk County Domestic Violence Case Echoes Seward Tragedy

Belinda Hagen, stepmother of Jamie Hagen, says the recent case is triggering and personal.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn piece of paper representing a protection order, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty reality of domestic violence cases.A recent domestic violence case in Polk County echoes the tragic timeline of a previous homicide, exposing the urgent need for stronger protections and resources for survivors.Lincoln Today

A domestic violence case in Polk County has drawn comparisons to the death of Jamie Hagen, a Seward mother who was shot and killed by Casey Kindt days after she filed a protection order against him. Belinda Hagen, Hagen's stepmother, said the timeline from when the suspect bonded out to when he is accused of committing crimes in Polk County mirrors her own family's tragedy.

Why it matters

The Hagen family's tragic experience has led Belinda Hagen to start a nonprofit called Enough DV, which helps build resources for people who have experienced a homicide related to domestic violence. This recent case highlights the ongoing need for more resources and support for domestic violence survivors.

The details

After her stepdaughter's death, Belinda Hagen started Enough DV to help others in similar situations. She said the timeline of the recent Polk County case is very similar to what her family experienced, with the suspect bonding out and then allegedly committing more crimes. Hagen has also championed a domestic violence bill in the Nebraska Legislature that would increase the penalties for protection order violations.

  • The recent Polk County domestic violence case occurred in 2026.
  • Jamie Hagen was shot and killed by Casey Kindt days after she filed a protection order against him.

The players

Belinda Hagen

The stepmother of Jamie Hagen, who started the nonprofit Enough DV to help build resources for people who have experienced a homicide related to domestic violence.

Jamie Hagen

A Seward mother who was shot and killed by Casey Kindt days after she filed a protection order against him.

Casey Kindt

The man who shot and killed Jamie Hagen days after she filed a protection order against him.

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What they’re saying

“We know the pathway that they're currently walking. Very much feel for his boys and his family overall. It's just devastating.”

— Belinda Hagen, Stepmother of Jamie Hagen

“The time that he was released and did what he did to these other two people in Polk County very closely mirrors some of the times that we experienced too. We just understand... we know.”

— Belinda Hagen, Stepmother of Jamie Hagen

“Public-private partnerships may be an opportunity to explore in terms of finding temporary shelter or housing or a place away from the volatile situation that these survivors are in.”

— Belinda Hagen, Stepmother of Jamie Hagen

What’s next

Hagen has recently championed a domestic violence bill in the Nebraska Legislature which would increase the penalties of protection order violations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for more resources and support for domestic violence survivors, as well as the importance of strengthening laws and enforcement around protection orders to prevent further tragedies.