Trooper Russell A. Bagshaw

Russell A. Bagshaw

Trooper Russell Bagshaw was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary at a sporting goods store just west of the intersection of Route 6 and Route 203 in Windham at 3:00 a.m.

Two subjects were transporting guns from the store into their vehicle when one of the men noticed Trooper Bagshaw approaching in his patrol vehicle. One of the men waited at the corner of the building with a loaded 9 mm Semi-automatic handgun. When Trooper Bagshaw reached the driveway of the store, one of the subjects began firing at the patrol vehicle, striking Trooper Bagshaw in the chest. He was found with the engine still running and the patrol car in gear.

Two brothers were charged in the shooting. The brother who shot Trooper Bagshaw was sentenced to death. In 2000, his sentence was commuted to life. The other brother was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole; however, in 2025, he will have a parole hearing.

Trooper Bagshaw had served with the Connecticut State Police for 4.5 years. He is survived by his wife, father, twin brother, and older brother.