Tragedy Strikes Vermont State University: Retired Dean Fatally Shot
The heart-wrenching killing of a beloved retired dean from Vermont State University has left a community in shock and mourning, with her family bearing the brunt of the tragedy. Police are now on a relentless hunt for the assailant.
Dr. Honoree Fleming, aged 77, met a tragic end when she was shot during a Friday evening stroll on the D&H Rail Trail, located just a mile away from the Castleton campus.
According to her husband, Ron Powers, a Pulitzer Prize winner, the killer fired one, possibly two, shots at the side of her head before walking away. Dr. Fleming passed away instantly. Powers expressed his grief on Facebook, highlighting her extraordinary character and describing her as having taken a significant piece of his heart and soul.
A witness described the suspect as a white male, around 5’10” with dark hair, donning a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack, according to Vermont State Police.
At this stage, this is all the information that the police have to work with as they continue to comb the area with the assistance of K-9 Units.
While authorities believe the act was random, all avenues remain open for investigation, as mentioned by Powers in his Facebook post.
The university issued a statement acknowledging Dr. Fleming’s extensive contributions, hailing her as a cherished dean, professor, and prolific researcher with numerous published papers.
Vermont State President Mike Smith expressed condolences, emphasizing the profound loss for the Castleton campus and the entire Vermont State University community.
Appeal for Assistance and Surveillance Footage
The state police are appealing to the public to review their surveillance systems and game cameras for any potential evidence related to the incident. They are asking everyone in the Castleton area to retain their footage from Friday afternoon.
If you possess any information or tips, you are urged to contact the state police at 802-773-9101 or provide anonymous tips through this link.
On the Vermont State University Castleton Campus Facebook page, it was stated that numerous students had benefited from Dr. Fleming’s teachings and research, emphasizing her role as an integral part of the Castleton family.
The comments section of the post is filled with fond memories and tributes to Dr. Fleming, reflecting the deep impact she had on those she touched.
A Sense of Shattered Safety
Even before Dr. Fleming’s identity as the victim was known, her tragic death sent shockwaves through the campus community. Responding to a 911 call, the police discovered her lifeless body on the Rail Trail near 1660 South St., a mile away from the campus.
Students received alerts to shelter in place as the news of the seemingly random shooting shattered their sense of safety.
A student from Vermont State University expressed their heartbreak on Facebook, raising questions about their own safety in the wake of such an incident. A local mother also expressed her unease, considering the proximity of the rail trail to her home.
As of Saturday morning, there have been no updates on the case. Multiple law enforcement agencies continue their search for the assailant, including the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Field Force Division, Crime Scene Search Team, Victim Services Unit, and Castleton Police Department.