Bethel Cop Shooter Dies In Mental Hospital

Kenneth Ruggles, the man who shot Bethel police officer Michael Daubert almost 30 years ago died in a Middletown mental hospital last week, according to the News Times.

Patch reported in August 2015 that Ruggles had a history of delusions and believed his illness is influenced by the devil. He had tried to be released last August, but was denied.

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On May 8, 1986, Ruggles cut off Daubert’s cruiser, then fired shots into Daubert’s face and neck.

The trouble began when the then 21-year-old rookie Bethel cop asked Ruggles to move from the Bethel Post Office steps, where he was campaigning for governor. He began stalking Daubert for weeks after the incident, leading up to the shooting.

Daubert told WFSB News that he had 17 surgeries to his face after the shooting.

The News Times reported that the cause of his death was not clear, however he had medical and psychological problems, including a heart condition and schizophrenia.

Click here to read more on the News Times.

Related:

Mental Patient Who Shot Former Bethel Cop Won’t Be Released

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