KINGSTON – Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa on Monday afternoon released additional information about the deaths of a husband and wife who were found in their Plattekill home on Friday night. Retired Poughkeepsie Fire Department Lieutenant Jimmy Brugger and his 54-year-old wife, Mindy, were discovered unconscious and unresponsive in their Milton Turnpike home by a family member and the family member’s friend.
The motive for the murder/suicide appears to be related to unresolved domestic issues, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said.
In mid-July, Mindy Brugger, represented by the Ragues law firm, filed for divorce in Ulster County Supreme Court. A search of Ulster County records does not indicate that Jimmy Brugger was served with the summons and complaint.
The discovery was reported to Ulster County 911 at 11:42 p.m. on August 21, 2026, bringing members of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Clintondale Fire Department, and New Paltz Rescue Squad to the residence.
The death investigation was expanded after detectives found evidence indicating someone had attempted to conceal and tamper with evidence at the scene.
Investigators from the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Identification Unit, and Major Crimes Unit responded to assist the UIster Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
The discovery of the evidence tampering expanded the investigation to include an extensive search of the residence, property, and the wooded area behind the residence.
Sheriff’s detectives determined that James “Jimmy” Brugger murdered his wife, Melinda “Mindy” Brugger, by shooting her multiple times before he tampered with evidence at the scene and removed additional evidence from the house in an effort to conceal his actions.
He then used a firearm to take his own life.
The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Ulster County Medical Examiner’s Office, State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, Town of Plattekill Police Department, and Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.
Both were well known in the emergency services community, with Jimmy serving almost three decades as a professional firefighter in Poughkeepsie and Mindy as a state-certified EMT.
Sheriff Figueroa said his office will not be commenting further on the tragic deaths and extended his condolences, saying, “The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, HealthAlliance Hospital, the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department, Plattekill Fire Department, Milton Fire Department, and the entire first responder community during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Sheriff Figueroa encouraged victims of domestic violence to contact the State of New York Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence at 800-942-6906 or text 844- 997-2121. Members of the first responder community seeking assistance can contact the Ulster County Officer Wellness Unit at or call 845-475-7536.
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