“I CAN MAKE THIS DISAPPEAR”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, AUTHORITIES SAY A NEW YORK FIREFIGHTER SHOT HIS EMT WIFE MULTIPLE TIMES, CONCEALED AND TAMPERED WITH EVIDENCE AT THE HOME, AND THEN DIED BY SUICIDE.
A firefighter in Poughkeepsie, New York, fatally shot his wife at their home, according to authorities.
Investigators said he attempted to cover up the crime before taking his own life.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased couple as James “Jimmy” Brugger and Melinda “Mindy” Brugger.
They were found dead at their residence just before midnight, according to Lohud.
On Friday, August 21, a family member and the family member’s friend arrived at the residence.
They found the couple unconscious inside the home.
The family member and the friend promptly called 911 to report the incident.
Authorities responded to the home at approximately 11:42 p.m.
Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene.
They determined that Jimmy, 66, was dead.
They determined that Mindy, 54, was also dead.
An investigation was subsequently launched into the matter.
During the inquiry, detectives found evidence indicating that someone had attempted to conceal items at the home.
Detectives also discovered evidence that items had been tampered with inside the residence.
Investigators concluded that Jimmy shot Melinda several times.
He then tampered with evidence of the fatal shooting at the scene.
Investigators further determined that he removed evidence of the killing from the home.
Once the crime scene was clear, he died by suicide.
According to the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, the murder-suicide seemingly stemmed from unresolved domestic issues between the couple.
Both Jimmy and Mindy were members of the Ulster County first responder community.
Jimmy had spent years in the local fire service.
He served as a lieutenant with the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department.
He also served as chief of the Plattekill Fire Department.
Mindy was an EMT with the Westchester Medical Center network.
She also worked as a CPR instructor within the network.
Following their deaths, both the City of Poughkeepsie and Plattekill fire departments addressed the murder-suicide.
Both agencies condemned Jimmy for killing Mindy.
On Monday, August 24, the Plattekill Fire Department shared its response in a social media post.
“Mindy dedicated herself to helping others. Her compassion, commitment, and service made a lasting impact on our department, the fire and EMS community, and the many people whose lives she touched,” the department wrote.
While reflecting on the killing, the department directly addressed Jimmy’s conduct.
The department stated that Jimmy’s “actions were his own and do not represent the values of the Plattekill Fire Department, the fire service, or the members who continue to serve this community with honor, compassion, and respect for human life.”
Then, on Tuesday, August 25, the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department’s Local 596 shared a statement on Facebook.
The union said that its members were “devastated” by Mindy’s death.
“Mindy was a bright light and a friend to so many of us. Her loss is deeply felt throughout our department and the larger first responder community,” the union wrote.
Local 596 also noted that Jimmy retired from the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department in 2025 after more than 27 years of service.
“While we acknowledge his years of service, there is absolutely no place in our profession, our union, or our community for an act as horrific and deplorable as this,” the union statement read.
The union added that Jimmy’s actions “do not represent the values of the members of Local 596, nor do they diminish the respect and gratitude we have for those who have served honorably.”
Local 596 further condemned the fatal violence.
The union stated that “what happened to Mindy was a deplorable act of violence that took the life of an innocent woman. Whatever struggles a person may face, there is never an excuse for murdering another human being.”
“No amount of years in the fire service, no accomplishments, and no personal history can diminish that truth. Mindy deserved better,” the statement added.
And help remains available for anyone in distress.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Individuals can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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