Rutland, Vermont – A tragic incident unfolded when a 19-year-old police officer, Jessica Ebbighausen, lost her life after being struck by a car. The individual responsible, Tate Rheaume, faced aggravated murder charges for his alleged involvement in the fatal crash that occurred in July 2023.
Initially charged with grossly negligent operation resulting in death and eluding police, Rheaume was released on bond but had his charges upgraded almost a year later. Now, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment for his actions that led to Ebbighausen’s death in Rutland.
Reports indicate that Rheaume was attempting to evade pursuing police officers on July 7 when he collided head-on with Ebbighausen’s cruiser using his pickup truck. As a result, the young officer’s promising career was cut short in a tragic turn of events.
Following the elevated charges against him, Rheaume was ordered to be held without bail, despite pleading not guilty to all accusations. The details of the case led to Rutland police Chief Brian Kilcullen expressing the need to hold Rheaume accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Ebbighausen, who had recently achieved her dream of becoming a police officer, had only been serving as part of the force for two months before the fatal incident. Her family, devastated by the loss, initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to support them during this difficult time.
The community mourned the loss of Ebbighausen, a young officer dedicated to serving and protecting her community, as they came to terms with the tragedy that unfolded in Rutland. The impact of her untimely death reverberated through the department and beyond, leaving a void that can never be filled.