Robert D. Naugle Jr., 30, faces criminal homicide charges after allegedly shooting and killing 47-year-old James Thomas on December 31, 2025, at Naugle’s former home in Pennsylvania. Naugle had filed for divorce in November, moved out two days earlier, and showed up uninvited despite canceled New Year’s Eve plans. He reportedly fired 10 shots at Thomas, who was eating dinner with Naugle’s estranged wife, then called 911 admitting, “I walked in on my wife with another man, and I killed him.”
Key Details from Investigation
Pennsylvania State Trooper Steve Limani shared at a press conference (covered by WPXI):
- Naugle’s four children were home: an infant in a crib in the same room, and three others sleeping upstairs.
- Naugle entered silently, walked past the crib, and shot Thomas without warning—described as “just sitting there eating food.”
- Thomas, a volunteer firefighter and father to a 12-year-old son, was called a “friend” by the estranged wife.
Naugle is held without bond at Westmoreland County Jail, with a court date of January 14, 2026.
Broader Impact
Trooper Limani noted the tragedy’s ripple effects: “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.” This underscores domestic violence risks during separations, especially around holidays.
Local outlets like WPXI and Law&Crime have updates. Interested in similar cases, PA homicide laws, or prevention resources?
