News footage of the Hempfield Township, Pa., home where Robert Naugle allegedly shot James Thomas on Dec. 31 (WTAE).
First responders, including Pennsylvania State Police troopers, arrived at the scene to find Thomas deceased. Naugle was cooperative during his arrest, explaining to officers that he had arranged to spend New Year’s Eve with his estranged wife, but she canceled their plans. Despite the cancellation, Naugle decided to visit her home and noticed an unfamiliar vehicle parked in the driveway.
Documents from the court detail that Naugle had vacated the house two days before the incident. However, he retained a set of keys, granting him access through the basement door. Once inside, he allegedly encountered his wife with Thomas and reacted by firing a Glock pistol at Thomas ten times. Naugle stated to police that he checked for a pulse on Thomas before making the emergency call.
Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.
When troopers arrived at the home, Naugle cooperated during his arrest. He told police that he made New Year’s Eve plans with his estranged wife, but she canceled them. Police said Naugle chose to come to her home anyway and saw someone else’s car in the driveway.
According to court documents, Naugle moved out of the home two days prior. He still had keys to the house and was able to unlock the door to the basement. When he got inside, he saw his estranged wife with Thomas and then allegedly fired a Glock pistol at him 10 times. Naugle told police that he checked Thomas for a pulse before calling 911.
When he spoke with police, Naugle told them he intended to kill Thomas when he shot him.
Naugle was charged with criminal homicide and booked into the Westmoreland County Prison. A judge denied him bail during his arraignment on Thursday. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 14.
