Tristan Ferguson sentenced to 8-14 years in shooting death of Jesse Krausnick

Chase County District Court Judge Patrick Heng sentenced Tristan Ferguson, 21, of Imperial, to eight -to 14 years in the Nebraska Department of Corrections for the shooting death of Jesse Krausnick, 19, of Imperial.
Tuesday’s sentencing brings an end to the case that began in Ferguson’s Imperial home Nov. 25, 2022 when Krausnick suffered a shotgun wound and was later pronounced deceased.
During an evening of drinking, Ferguson, then 19, pointed a shotgun at Krausnick and pulled the trigger, thinking the gun was unloaded when it was not. The blast hit Krausnick, causing the fatal injury.
In February 2024, the state approved a plea agreement, with Ferguson pleading guilty to two Class IIA felonies: manslaughter and attempted possession of a deadly weapon or firearm during the commission of a felony. Those offenses carry a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The courtroom was filled with family members and friends in support of both Ferguson and Krausnick for the 11 a.m. sentencing. It was silent after Heng rendered his final decision.
Pre-sentence investigation
Following the plea agreement, a pre-sentence investigation was completed. Chase County Attorney Joel Burke, representing the State of Nebraska, said there were several things he wanted to point out from the results.
Prior to this, Burke offered the following: “It’s just a sad situation for everyone involved. And it’s a matter of, you know, some of these heart aches are going to last for a long time, if not for the rest of their lives.”
The first issue Burke raised was on responsibility. “ I think there’s a question whether the defendant has actually accepted responsibility for his actions,” adding the report raised an issue with truthfulness, he said.
Burke said Ferguson told investigators that on the night of the incident “he was just hanging out with his friends drinking, and then at some point, Mr. Krausnick said ‘just shoot me’ as a joke.”
Burke said two friends who witnessed the shooting said nothing was ever said to that effect. Burke added there were no other statements to support that Krausnick actually said that.
“The second is, and probably the most chilling aspect of this, is that it’s not an isolated incident.” Burke told the court that on that night, the two friends had warned Ferguson about gun play.
One of the friends told investigators Ferguson played with guns like they were toys. He also told them Ferguson had pulled a gun on Krausnick the previous New Years.
A third witness told investigators that on the night before the shooting, Ferguson had a gun and was twirling it around with the same set of folks present.
Burke said it’s chilling that despite the warnings, Ferguson’s actions continued, leading to Krausnick’s death.
After considering all the factors, Burke said he agreed with the presentence investigation that Ferguson’s reckless and negligent actions justified incarceration.
Attorney Michael Wilson of Omaha represented Ferguson at the sentencing.
Like Burke, he offered his thoughts on the incident. “I never look forward to sentencing hearings like this one. I’m sure the court doesn’t either. Nor does Mr. Burke. The court, the state myself are in the difficult position of influencing the rest of Tristan’s life right now. It’s a huge responsibility.
Wilson said he would share Ferguson’s words, as if it were Ferguson speaking himself. “He’s expressing how sorry Tristan is for the loss of Jesse’s life. ‘Jessie and I were best friends for so long. I can’t even remember him not being my friend,’” Wilson said.
Wilson said Ferguson knew he shouldn’t have been playing with guns or drinking as a minor. “There’s nothing I can say to Jesse’s family to truly express how sorry I am for the loss of Jesse’s life,” Wilson said on Ferguson’s behalf.
Wilson urged the court to consider that Ferguson has been working 60-80 hours at a job he took in Texas during this whole process, as well as undergoing counseling and therapy.
He also noted courts have ruled the brain of a 19 year-old has not fully developed and adding alcohol into the mix diminishes the level of responsibility for one’s actions.
He asked Judge Heng to consider long-term probation with continued oversight and therapy. If that wasn’t possible, he asked Judge Heng to consider some type of blended sentence that would include jail and probation.
When Judge Heng asked Ferguson if he wanted to speak, Ferguson stood. While partially looking back at the Krausnick family, he said, “As for my part in this, I am very sorry, to Jessie’s family and anyone else who were hurt by my actions. There is nothing I can say or do to bring him back. He was my best friend.”
Sentencing
Judge Heng said this has been a difficult case for everyone involved. Based on the pre-sentence investigation and points raised, he said probation would not be an appropriate sentence.
He told Ferguson he had no doubt that it was not Ferguson’s intent to harm Krausnick. However, he noted friends had warned him about gun play, pointing guns at people and mixing that with alcohol.
Judge Heng said he does believe Ferguson has taken responsibility for his actions. “It’s going to stick with you every day of your life and that I can’t change,” the judge said, noting it was his responsibility to figure out an appropriate sentence.
He continued, “By the same token you have taken a life. You’ve ended a young man’s life with your best friend and his family.”
Unfortunately, a tragedy occurred by pointing a gun and clicking the trigger, thinking it was unloaded when it was loaded, Judge Heng said.
With those factors in mind, he sentenced Ferguson eight to 14 years on both felony counts. Both will be served at the same time in Nebraska’s Department of Corrections. Some of that time will be spent in solitary confinement.
He told Ferguson he would be eligible for parole in four years. If no probation is granted, he will serve a maximum of seven years.