CROMWELL, CT – A devastating murder-suicide took place at a Connecticut rehabilitation facility. At Apple Rehab in Cromwell, an 82-year-old man shot and killed his 81-year-old wife before taking his own life.
Local law enforcement arrived at the scene on Friday morning following a distress call. They found Dennis Brandt, 82, and his wife, Barbara Brandt, 81, dead from gunshot wounds. According to Apple Rehab officials, the man came to visit his wife, a long-term resident of the facility and proceeded to kill her before turning the gun on himself.
There were no other individuals present in the room when the incident occurred, and the facility promptly initiated lockdown protocol while alerting the authorities.
During their ensuing investigation, the police couldn’t determine a motive, acknowledging that no previous threats had been made. Furthermore, facility representatives noted that Dennis Brandt had been a regular visitor at the facility for many years without any issues.
Apple Rehab issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy, reiterating that visitors have to check in at the front desk and are given guidelines on what can be brought into the facility.
The incident rattled not only those present at the time, but also the community at large. A close relative of an employee who was present when the shooting took place expressed shock and disbelief.
Despite the horrific incident, the facility resumed operations, providing counselors to assist staff and other residents who were affected. Apple Rehab also asserted that it would review its security protocols.