A special education teacher at Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska was killed early Monday morning, October 28, 2024, in what authorities describe as a domestic violence incident at her home in Chalco, Nebraska.
Rebecca “Becky” Geiger, 45, died after being shot by her husband, Rory Geiger, who also died during the incident after an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officials. The couple’s 19-year-old daughter called 911 around 3 a.m. on October 28, 2024, reporting that her father had shot her mother and was pointing a gun at her.
When deputies arrived at the scene, Mr. Geiger fired at them, prompting one deputy to return fire. Mr. Geiger was later found dead inside the home, though investigators have not yet determined whether his fatal wounds were self-inflicted or resulted from the deputy’s shot.
The incident followed a previous call to the home for a domestic dispute and mental health issues, during which deputies were instructed not to return. Both of the couple’s daughters were present during the shooting.
The family, bound by immense grief, draws strength from each other and memories of her warmth and compassion. The victim’s mother, Cindy Ostdiek, remembers her daughter’s boundless kindness that extended beyond family to her students, neighbors, and friends. Becky’s love for cooking and baking meant she often shared her culinary creations with those around her.
Known simply as “Becky” to those close to her, she was a beloved special education teacher at Westside High School, cherished by students, colleagues, and especially her family.
Her sister, Jennifer, recalls Becky as her lifelong best friend, and her first spoken word was even her sister’s name. Jennifer, her mother, and Becky’s nephew, Jayden, stood together as they struggled to process the news shared by Sarpy County Sheriff’s deputies.
Her mother described the devastating moment, feeling it impossible to believe that it was her daughter. She reflects that this is the most unimaginable pain any parent could endure.
At Westside High School, where Becky taught, students and staff receive support from counselors. The school district has implemented a crisis response team to help the community cope with losing a teacher who had just begun her 10th year at the school.
Known for her exceptional kindness, Becky was skilled at making her students feel valued and loved and that they truly belonged at Westside—a crucial connection, especially for her students. Counselors will be available throughout the week to support those impacted by her passing.
The two daughters, who witnessed the event, are now without both parents. Law enforcement officials continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.