Manhunt Underway for Suspected Shooter of Retired University Official
Vermont State Police have launched a search for an unidentified red-headed man suspected of fatally shooting a 77-year-old retired university official on a hiking trail close to the campus where she had a long-standing presence.
Suspect Description Update
Following a surge in tips received over the weekend, the initial suspect description has been revised. The suspect is now described as a white male with short red hair, contrasting with earlier information that suggested dark hair. He is estimated to be in his late 20s and stands at approximately 5 feet, 10 inches. During the incident, he was seen wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack, moving north along the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail toward the Vermont State University Castleton Campus.
Victim and the Crime
The victim, Honoree Fleming, was fatally shot while on her evening walk. She had entered the 20-mile mixed-use trail around 30 minutes prior to the incident, starting at the pavilion area at VSU Castleton. Fleming was wearing a white and blue striped shirt, black pants, and black sneakers. A subsequent autopsy conducted by the state medical examiner determined her death to be a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head.
Fleming, a former dean of education at the school, had a rich history of work at various institutions, including Trinity and Middlebury colleges and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She was married to renowned journalist Ron Powers, who co-wrote “Flags of Our Fathers” and aided the late Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy with his memoir, “True Compass.”
Community Assistance and Police Efforts
Vermont State Police are seeking assistance from anyone who may have encountered the suspect on or near the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail on October 5. In addition, they encourage local hunters to check their game cameras, and residents and business owners to review their security footage for potential evidence.
Police Major Daniel Trudeau emphasized the importance of these tips, stating that “some of the sightings are gonna pay off.” He cautioned that the suspect is likely armed and dangerous and should be treated as such.
Classes Canceled and Ongoing Investigation
The university canceled classes on the main campus as the search for the suspect intensifies. Increased police patrols have been deployed in the area.
How to Report Information
For anyone with information or suspicions related to the case, Vermont State Police can be reached at 802-773-9101. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously through a dedicated website.