A late-night confrontation inside a Stratford home ended in gunfire, leaving a veteran firefighter dead and a suspect in custody after what police say was a targeted attack tied to a past relationship. The violence unfolded inside a bedroom where the victim and a woman were sleeping when an armed intruder entered through an unlocked door.
STRATFORD, CT – A 41-year-old man is facing murder and home invasion charges after police say he shot and killed Bridgeport firefighter Terrence Cramer early Saturday morning inside a Feeley Street residence. Officers responded at approximately 1:44 a.m. and found Cramer “bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound,” according to the Stratford Police Department. Paramedics pronounced him dead shortly after.
Jabari Bush was arrested later Saturday following a brief vehicle pursuit. He is charged with murder, home invasion, and criminal possession of a firearm. Authorities said he is being held on a $3 million bond, with a court appearance scheduled for April 14.
Details from affidavit and witness account
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, the woman inside the home told investigators she was asleep in bed with Cramer when she was “awakened by someone inside her bedroom,” whom she believed to be Bush. She reported that Bush shouted words to the effect of “you’re here with another man!” before striking her in the face.
The woman told police she then saw “sparks” consistent with a gun being fired and heard Cramer say, “I just got shot!” Officers later found Cramer with a gunshot wound to his right inner thigh, lying in a pool of blood.
Investigators reviewed Ring doorbell footage that “clearly identifies Bush” outside the home throughout the night, according to the affidavit. Police said he entered through an unlocked door.
History of relationship and prior contact
The woman told detectives she had been in a relationship with Bush for about five years before ending it in March 2025. The relationship continued intermittently until January, when she ended it permanently. She began dating Cramer in February, according to the complaint.
She also reported that Bush began calling her repeatedly in March, prompting her to block his number. She told police he continued contacting her through Facebook and appeared at her workplace, where he allegedly began to “yell at her angrily” when she ignored him.
Cramer had served with the Bridgeport Fire Department for nearly a decade. In a statement, the department said, “Chief Edwards and the members of the Bridgeport Fire Department are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Firefighter Terrence Cramer. Firefighter Cramer served the City of Bridgeport with dedication and honor for 9.5 years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and safety of others. Firefighter Cramer was not only a valued member of our department, but also a friend, colleague, and public servant who will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Firefighter Cramer’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
