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Background: News footage of the Hempfield Township, Pa., home where Robert Naugle allegedly shot James Thomas on Dec. 31 (WTAE). Inset: James Thomas (Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home).
Authorities have released further information concerning a tragic incident in Pennsylvania, where a man is accused of fatally shooting a firefighter who was dining with the man’s estranged wife.
Robert D. Naugle Jr., aged 30, faces charges of criminal homicide following allegations that he entered his ex-wife’s residence on December 31, 2025, and shot 47-year-old James Thomas. According to police reports, Naugle’s estranged wife revealed that he had initiated divorce proceedings in November 2025 and vacated their shared home just two days before the incident. As previously reported by Law&Crime, Naugle had intended to spend New Year’s Eve with his ex-wife, but those plans were ultimately canceled.
Despite the cancellation, Naugle arrived at the residence and, upon discovering Thomas dining with his estranged wife, allegedly fired 10 shots at him, resulting in Thomas’s death. Naugle subsequently called 911, reportedly stating, “I walked in on my wife with another man, and I killed him.”
Pennsylvania State Trooper Steve Limani provided additional insights during a press conference, which was covered by local NBC affiliate WPXI. Limani disclosed that Naugle’s four children were present in the home at the time, including an infant who was in a crib in the same room where Thomas was reportedly shot. The other three children were asleep in bedrooms upstairs, Limani noted.
Limani further explained that Thomas, whom Naugle’s estranged wife described as merely a friend, was “just sitting there eating food” when Naugle entered, walked past the baby in the crib, and allegedly shot Thomas without uttering a word.
According to WPXI, Thomas was a dedicated volunteer firefighter who leaves behind a 12-year-old son. More details about his life and service can be found in his obituary.
“In one fell swoop, Mr. Naugle makes it so there [are] two families now… one doesn’t have a father, and the other is going to be locked up in the Westmoreland County Jail,” Limani said.
Naugle was charged with criminal homicide and is currently in custody at the Westmoreland County Jail, where he is being held without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14.
