On the evening of New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025, James D. Thomas, a 47-year-old White male from Bradenville, near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot. The incident occurred at a residence on Hugh Street in Hempfield Township. Thomas had brought Chinese food to the home of Emily Naugle for what was described as a first date.
While Thomas was eating, Robert D. Naugle Jr., the 30-year-old estranged husband of Emily Naugle, entered the basement of the home.
Naugle, who had moved out two days prior after filing for divorce in November, used a key to unlock the basement door. Upon seeing Thomas with his wife, Naugle drew a Glock 19 pistol and fired approximately 10 times, striking Thomas in the torso. The four children of the Naugles were present in the house at the time of the shooting, with one being in a crib in the same room where the incident took place.
After the shooting, Robert Naugle checked Thomas's pulse and then called 911. He told the dispatcher, "I walked in on my wife with another man, and I killed him." When state police arrived at the scene, Naugle met them and was taken into custody. He informed the police that he had intended for Thomas to die. The Westmoreland County Coroner pronounced James D. Thomas dead at the scene.
Robert D. Naugle Jr. was charged with criminal homicide and was taken to the Westmoreland County Prison where he was held without bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 14. James D. Thomas was remembered as a past president and current vice president of the Derry Township Volunteer Fire Department in Bradenville and was survived by his son. He was well-liked in his community, and even his ex-wife spoke highly of him.
