Vermont State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating an unidentified red-headed man believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of a 77-year-old retired university official. The incident occurred on a hiking trail near the campus where the victim had been a respected figure for many years. Authorities have updated the suspect description based on multiple tips received over the weekend. The suspect is now described as a White male with short red hair, contradicting earlier reports of someone with dark hair. He is believed to be in his late 20s and stands at approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall. The suspect was last seen wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack, heading north along the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail towards Vermont State University Castleton Campus.
Police are urging anyone who was in the vicinity of the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail on October 5 and may have seen the suspect to come forward with information. Additionally, local hunters are being asked to check their game cameras, and residents and business owners are encouraged to review their home and commercial security footage for any potential evidence.
Vermont State Police Major Daniel Trudeau expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will yield results, stating, “Some of these tips are gonna pay off… Some of the sightings are gonna pay off.” Authorities have warned that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
The victim, Honoree Fleming, was discovered dead on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail on Thursday afternoon. She had entered the trail around 30 minutes prior to her tragic death. An autopsy conducted by the state medical examiner confirmed that Fleming died from a gunshot wound to the head, ruling her death as a homicide.
Fleming, a former dean of education at Vermont State University Castleton Campus, had an illustrious career working at Trinity and Middlebury colleges, as well as the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Her husband, renowned journalist Ron Powers, expressed his deep sorrow on social media, describing his wife as having a “sterling heart and soul.”
The incident has had a significant impact on the community, with the university canceling classes on its main campus to aid in the search for the suspect. Police presence in the area has been increased as a precautionary measure.
Anyone with information related to the case or who has noticed anything suspicious is urged to contact Vermont State Police at 802-773-9101. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the provided website.
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