News footage of the Hempfield Township, Pa., home where Robert Naugle allegedly shot James Thomas on Dec. 31 (WTAE).

According to court documents referenced by TribLive.com, Naugle contacted 911 at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, admitting to dispatchers, “I walked in on my wife with another man, and I killed him.” This incident occurred at the residence of Naugle’s estranged wife in Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania. Authorities noted that she had initiated divorce proceedings against Naugle in November 2025.

James Thomas was declared dead at the scene of the shooting.

Upon arrival, Pennsylvania State Police troopers arrested Naugle, who was compliant. Naugle explained to the officers that he had planned to spend New Year’s Eve with his estranged wife, but she had canceled their plans. Despite this, Naugle decided to visit her home, where he noticed a different vehicle parked in the driveway.

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.