Suspect faces judge in shooting death of veteran Bridgeport firefighter

Prosecutors reveal possible love triangle motive in court appearance

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:54pm

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An extreme close-up of a single spent shell casing from a handgun, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh light and creating a stark, gritty visual that conceptually represents the investigation into a tragic act of violence.The tragic loss of a veteran firefighter in a suspected domestic violence incident exposes the dangers first responders face in their service to the community.Bridgeport Today

A 40-year-old man has been charged with shooting and killing a 41-year-old Bridgeport firefighter, Terrence Cramer, inside Cramer's Stratford home early Saturday morning. The suspect, Jabari Bush, allegedly found his ex-girlfriend in bed with Cramer and opened fire, fatally shooting Cramer in the right thigh. Bush was arrested after a chase with police and is being held on $3 million bond.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a veteran firefighter in the line of duty has shocked the Bridgeport community, with dozens of firefighters showing up to support each other and honor their fallen colleague. The apparent love triangle motive raises questions about domestic violence, gun violence, and the risks first responders face even in their personal lives.

The details

According to court papers, Bush entered Cramer's apparently unlocked home shortly before 2 a.m. and found his ex-girlfriend in bed with the firefighter. The woman said Bush shouted "you're here with another man" and then opened fire on Cramer, who was found on the bedroom floor with a gunshot wound to his right thigh. Paramedics pronounced Cramer dead at the scene. Bush was arrested after a chase with police.

  • The incident occurred early Saturday morning around 2 a.m.

The players

Jabari Bush

A 40-year-old man charged with shooting and killing Bridgeport firefighter Terrence Cramer.

Terrence Cramer

A 41-year-old veteran Bridgeport firefighter who was fatally shot inside his Stratford home.

Bridgeport Fire Department

The fire department that Cramer served for over 9 years, with dozens of firefighters showing up to support each other and honor their fallen colleague.

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What they’re saying

“We are unified, we are professionals, we will always show up to do our job and we will always stick together and support each other and support the community.”

— Armando Cora, Bridgeport Fire Department Assistant Chief

“If you didn't know him, you wanted to know him, when you got to know him, you wanted to emulate his qualities -- his humility, his friendliness, he never did not have a smile on his face.”

— Christian A. Teague, Bridgeport Fire Department Lieutenant

“It's sad it's heart-breaking, when we all got pulled down to the kitchen early in the morning, none of us expect to hear that, let alone about Terrence Cramer.”

— Jean-Claude Rasuk, Bridgeport Fire Department

What’s next

The judge will decide on Bush's bond amount at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks and challenges first responders can face, even in their personal lives, and the importance of supporting one another in public service. The Bridgeport Fire Department's show of unity and grief underscores the deep impact Cramer's death has had on the local community.