CROMWELL, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – Police are investigating after a man allegedly shot and killed his 81-year-old wife before taking his own life at a Connecticut nursing home.
Police responded to Apple Rehabilitation, a long-term care facility in Cromwell, just before 11 a.m. Friday. According to company officials, the tenant's 81-year-old husband came to visit, entered the room and shot her, then shot her to death. No one else was in the room at the time of the incident.
Police identified the victim as 81-year-old Barbara Brandt and the suspect as her husband Dennis Brandt, 82, WFSB reports.
Apple Rehab officials say there have been no threats and the motive is unknown. Barbara Brandt has been a resident at the facility for three years, and her husband has had no problems visiting, the company said.
Facility staff are being praised for how quickly they called 911 and went into lockdown mode to protect other residents. There were no other injuries in the incident.
Rich Volbroch, a sales representative, had just entered the nursing home when he heard gunshots.
“As I entered the lobby, I heard a woman screaming and heard about five gunshots…everyone in the lobby hit the deck,” he said.
He ran outside.
Shelda Baker's mother was working indoors at the time of the incident.
“I was so scared and nervous because she called me crying. She said she saw some women running. That's when she heard gunshots and started running.” said Baker. “She said she locked herself in the bathroom with another employee.”
This shooting incident is said to be a sad and tragic event that should never have happened.
“That's too much,” Baker said. “No one should have to go through something like this.”
Asked about security protocols, Apple Rehabilitation officials said a check-in point at the front desk will dictate what can and cannot be brought into the facility. Michael Lundy, the company's vice president of operations, said Dennis Brandt was tested as usual.
“This was an absolutely unfortunate tragedy,” Lundy said. “She was admitted in 2021, so people knew her well. It was a small facility, so the staff's sadness was palpable.”
Lundy said the facility is reviewing its security protocols. Counselors are currently assisting staff and residents with their grief.
Apple Rehab released the following statement on Friday afternoon:
It is with great sadness that we inform you that the husband of one of our residents at Apple Rehabilitation Cromwell took his wife's life this morning, and he also took his own life.
The resident is 81 years old, has lived with us for three years, and was in his room when the tragedy occurred. She had no roommates and there were no witnesses. Staff immediately called 911 and responded. No other residents or staff were injured or involved.
There have been no known threats and the motive is unknown at this time.
Our focus remains on our staff and residents, providing them with all the resources and counseling services they need to overcome this tragic event. Many of them are already in the field.
We will provide further details as they become available, but we are currently working closely with Cromwell Constabulary and other state agencies.
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