Current:Home > BackSketch released of person of interest in fatal shooting on Vermont trail-LoTradeCoin
Sketch released of person of interest in fatal shooting on Vermont trail
View Date:2024-12-23 20:16:31
Police have released a sketch of a person of interest in connection with the shocking killing of a retired university dean who was shot in the head while walking on a Vermont trail last week.
Honoree Fleming, 77, was found dead on a trail on Oct. 5 in Castleton, Vermont State Police said. She died from a gunshot wound to the head. The medical examiner determined the manner of death was homicide, police said.
On Wednesday, police released a sketch of a person witnesses reported seeing on the trail prior to the discovery of Fleming's body.
MORE: Retired dean married to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer found shot to death on Vermont trail
Capt. Scott Dunlap, commander of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, called it their "best lead" yet, as no suspects have been identified nearly a week after the deadly shooting.
"It's somebody that we want to talk to in regards to her death," Dunlap told reporters during a press briefing Wednesday.
More than one person saw the man on the trail, and the composite sketch was made based on their accounts, according to Dunlap.
"We've had witnesses that came across him acting very strangely, oddly," said Dunlap, who did not provide any additional details on the person's behavior.
The person of interest was described by witnesses as a white man in his 20s, approximately 5'10" with short red hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored T-shirt and carrying a black backpack, police said.
It is unclear if the killing was random or targeted, Dunlap said, urging the public to "remain vigilant."
MORE: Slain Philadelphia journalist Josh Kruger allegedly shot by 19-year-old he was 'trying to help': Police
Authorities asked residents to contact police if they recognize or believe they see the person of interest.
"Do not confront this person," Castleton Police Department Chief Peter said during the briefing. "Do not try to do anything on your own."
Fleming, who lived in the town, was out for her regular evening walk when she was shot, Dunlap said.
She was a retired dean of education and "beloved teacher" at Vermont State University Castleton Campus, the university said. She was the wife of Ro Powers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott called her death "tragic."
"We are still trying to find out why. That's the piece that's missing," Scott told ABC Burlington affiliate WVNY on Tuesday. "I know our law enforcement is doing all they can to find any leads."
Scott said he knows residents are feeling frustrated and scared amid the investigation.
"We need a lead, we need something to go on," he said. "Our law enforcement team is working nonstop to try to find the killer who did this."
veryGood! (777)
Related
- RHOBH's Erika Jayne Reveals Which Team She's on Amid Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley Feud
- Judy Garland’s hometown is raising funds to purchase stolen ‘Wizard of Oz’ ruby slippers
- Mississippi education board returns control to Tunica County School District
- After woman calls 911 to say she's sorry, police respond and find 2 bodies
- Wind-whipped wildfire near Reno prompts evacuations but rain begins falling as crews arrive
- Republican state lawmaker arrested in middle of night in Lansing
- Olympic champion Tara Lipinski talks infertility journey: 'Something that I carry with me'
- American Airlines CEO vows to rebuild trust after removal of Black passengers
- Kim Kardashian Says She's Raising Her and Kanye West's 4 Kids By Herself
- Texas court finds Kerry Max Cook innocent of 1977 murder, ending decades-long quest for exoneration
Ranking
- Judge sets April trial date for Sarah Palin’s libel claim against The New York Times
- Traveler from Missouri stabbed to death and his wife critically injured in attack at Nebraska highway rest area
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, The Price Is Right
- Peace must be a priority, say Catholic leaders on anniversary of priests’ violent deaths in Mexico
- Darren Criss on why playing a robot in 'Maybe Happy Ending' makes him want to cry
- Starting Pilates? Here’s Everything You’ll Need To Crush Your Workout at Home or in the Studio
- Gigi Hadid Gives Rare Look Into Life at Home With Daughter Khai
- MLB game at Rickwood Field has 'spiritual component' after Willie Mays' death
Recommendation
-
CRYPTIFII Introduce
-
Kane Brown and Wife Katelyn Brown Welcome Baby No. 3
-
Paris awaits for Sha’Carri, Lyles and dozens more, but Olympic spots must be earned at trials
-
Ben Affleck Addresses Why He Always Looks Angry in Paparazzi Photos
-
Ariana Grande's Brunette Hair Transformation Is a Callback to Her Roots
-
The Supreme Court upholds a tax on foreign income over a challenge backed by business interests
-
Texas electricity demand could nearly double in six years, grid operator predicts
-
MLB game at Rickwood Field has 'spiritual component' after Willie Mays' death