Stuart's wife filed for divorce on June 7, according to court records.
SPRINGFIELD — Retired Springfield police officer George W. Stuart was scheduled to attend a hearing in his pending divorce on the morning of the fire at his Ludlow home that sparked a long standoff with local and state police, court officials said Thursday.
The standoff ended Wednesday evening with Stuart suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni said Thursday that Stuart is in serious condition at Baystate Medical Center.
According to records in the Hampden Probate and Family Court, Stuart's wife, Rena Brunelle, filed for divorce June 7, citing an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. A summons was issued that day to Stuart.
A motion hearing on the case was scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. before Judge David Fuller. Officials could not confirm whether Stuart attended the hearing. An employee in the court clerk's office said Fuller still has the file, so no more information was available on the divorce case.
Both Stuart and Brunelle are representing themselves.
Ludlow firefighters responded to a report of a blaze at Stuart's home at 795 Center St. around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, just over two hours after the scheduled divorce hearing. Stuart, armed with a gun, fled into the woods near his home as firefighters and police arrived at the scene.
Police, including State Police Lt. James Penniman, Ludlow Police Chief James J. McGowan and Springfield Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, spent several hours attempting to negotiate with Stuart prior to the shooting.
Mastroianni said his office is investigating the incident with Ludlow Police, State Police and state fire investigators.
This is a developing story. Details will be added as they become available.