The trial for two Nebraska residents charged in connection with an arson fire in Atlantic in Dec. 2010 has been delayed until March. According to online court records, 27-year old William Kautter, of Omaha, faces a felony 1st degree arson charge, and six felony charges of Attempt to Commit murder. His wife, 29-year old Elizabeth Kautter, also of Omaha, faces a felony 1st degree arson charge. All charges stem from a Dec. 2010 residential fire at 601 E. 6th Street, in Atlantic.

The homeowners, Myron and Jolynne Gill, along with one of their adult children and three juveniles, were in the home at the time, but all escaped without injury. Investigators determined gasoline was splashed across the front door and porch of the house and then set aflame.
Complaints and Affidavits filed in coordination with the arrest of William and Elizabeth Kautter said prior to the fire, William Kautter had made several harassing phone calls, threatened physical harm and death to the Gill family. In addition, cell phone records showed the Kautter’s had traveled to Iowa from Omaha the night of the fire, and, Elizabeth Kautter was seen purchasing gasoline at an Atlantic area gas station on December 14th, 2010.

The Kautter’s have plead not guilty to the arson charges. Both trials were set to have begun Tuesday, Jan. 8th, but on Monday, Judge Jeffrey Larson agreed to extend the pre-trial conferences until Feb. 25th, with the both trials slated for March 26th. The couple remains free on bond. William Kautter had also been charged with Making Terrorist Threats, but he instead plead guilty to a reduced charge of 1st Degree Harassment.