Spengler did not share the same closeness with his sister, with whom he shared his home, Vercruysse said.

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Mr Vercruysse said that Mr Spengler "loved his mama to death", adding that he "went crazy" after she died in October.

BBC: US firefighters shot dead in 'ambush' in New York state

Spengler was especially attentive to his mother, who passed away in October, Vercruysse said, visiting her every day in the nursing home where she lived until she died.

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Roger Vercruysse, described as a friend of William Spengler, was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that the shooter "couldn't stand" his sister, who lived with him.

BBC: US firefighters shot dead in 'ambush' in New York state

Spengler was especially attentive to his mother, who passed away in October, a former neighbor, Roger Vercruysse said, visiting her every day in a nursing home until she died.

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"He loved his mama, " Vercruysse said.

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