Manhunt Underway in Vermont Following Suspicious Death on Popular Trail
Authorities in Vermont are actively searching for a suspect described as “armed and dangerous” in connection with a troubling incident on a well-known trail. A woman’s life was tragically cut short in this unsettling event, which took place on Thursday.
The Vermont State Police responded to the Rail Trail near 1587 South St. in Castleton around 4:30 p.m. following a report of a deceased woman in the area. Upon arrival, troopers found the woman and confirmed her passing at the scene.
An alert witness reported hearing gunshots and spotted a potential suspect walking northbound on the trail towards Vermont State University Castleton, formerly known as Castleton University. The witness provided a description of the individual: a White male with short, dark hair, standing at roughly 5 feet, 10 inches tall. The man was seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt and carrying a black backpack.
Community on High Alert
The Vermont State Police have designated the suspect as “armed and dangerous” and have issued a warning to the community, urging everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities.
As a safety measure, students on campus were instructed to stay indoors and shelter in place at around 6 p.m. on Thursday, according to the university’s newspaper.
The Town of Castleton posted on Facebook that Vermont State Police troopers are canvassing homes in the area, attempting to make contact with the suspect. They also advised residents and students to be cautious by locking doors and vehicles, as well as avoiding travel on South Street and the Rail Trail.
In their post, the town encouraged residents to check in on friends and family in the area, use the buddy system when entering unlocked buildings, and keep a cell phone on hand whenever possible.
Providing Information and Tips
Individuals with information or tips relevant to the case can contact the Vermont State Police in Rutland at 802-773-9101.
The investigation into the suspicious death of the woman is in its early stages, and further details are currently unavailable.
Collaborative Effort
Multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating on this case, 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.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington will conduct an autopsy on the woman’s body to determine the cause and manner of death.
Context on Castleton and the Rail Trail
Castleton, a small town with a population of just under 4,500 according to the 2020 Census, is situated approximately seven miles east of the Vermont-New York border.
The Rail Trail, officially named the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail, spans 19.8 miles and serves as a recreational path for pedestrians and bicyclists, and during different seasons, for horseback riders, snowshoers, skiers, and snowmobilers, according to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation website.
Please stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing situation.