Tate Rheume, a Vermont man, has been accused of killing a 19-year-old police officer in a head-on crash during a pursuit in Rutland last summer. He pleaded not guilty to a new elevated charge of aggravated murder and was ordered held without bail pending an evidence hearing. According to Rutland County State’s Attorney Ian Sullivan, Rheume was driving at more than 80 mph while also moving in and out of traffic before the fatal crash. The pursuit started after Rheume broke into the home of an ex-girlfriend with whom he has two children, leading to concerns about his mental state. At the time of the collision, he was traveling at a high speed on a road with a lower speed limit and struck two police cruisers.
Rutland City Police Officer Jessica Ebbighausen, who was thrown from the cruiser during the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other officers and Rheume were taken to the hospital for treatment. Rheume did not pull over before the fatal crash because he believed getting arrested would hurt his chances of joining the Marines. Sullivan argued for Rheume to be held without bail, stating that he was actively fleeing from law enforcement at the time of the aggravated murder. Rheume’s lawyer, Sean Milligan, argued that his client is not a flight risk or a danger, highlighting his compliance with release conditions and lack of prior criminal record.
However, the judge ruled that the new charge of aggravated murder, which carries a potential sentence of life without parole, raises the flight risk. Law enforcement officials believed that Rheume was fleeing to avoid prosecution, as evidenced by his actions leading to the fatal crash. Ebbighausen had started working with the Rutland police as a part-time officer and had been scheduled to start academy training to become a full-time officer. Despite the defense’s arguments, the prosecution maintained that there was strong evidence of guilt for the aggravated murder charge based on Rheume’s actions during the pursuit and crash.
The case involving Tate Rheume and the death of Officer Jessica Ebbighausen has sparked significant attention in Vermont’s legal and law enforcement communities. The tragic incident has highlighted the dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The decision to elevate the charge against Rheume to aggravated murder reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the potential consequences he may face if found guilty. The community mourns the loss of Officer Ebbighausen and continues to seek justice in her memory.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on determining the full extent of Rheume’s actions leading to the fatal crash and holding him accountable for the tragic loss of Officer Ebbighausen. The case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in the course of their duties and the need for justice to be served in cases of violence against them. The prosecution’s assertion that evidence of guilt is strong for the aggravated murder charge underscores the severity of the allegations against Rheume and the impact of his actions on the community. The tragic loss of Officer Ebbighausen has brought attention to the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being in the line of duty.
