Vermont ‘suspicious’ trail death near Castleton campus ruled a homicide, victim had gunshot wound to the head

Authorities have identified the Vermont woman who was the victim of a “suspicious death” Thursday on a popular trail.

The Vermont State Police said identified the victim as 77-year-old Honoree Fleming of Castleton, Vermont. She died from a gunshot wound to the head and her cause of death was determined to be a homicide. 

The death occurred Thursday near the Vermont State University, Castleton campus, which is under a shelter-in-place order.

Students who attend classes at the campus are on fall break. The school was closed Friday and all events have been canceled because of the ongoing death investigation. 

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“A shelter-in-place order continues for anyone who is on campus,” the school said in a message on its website. “Campus members should monitor their email for updates and information about counseling resources available to them.”

Vermont State Police responded to Rail Trail near 1587 South St. in Castleton at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday after receiving a call reporting a dead woman in the area. Upon arrival, troopers located the woman and pronounced her dead at the scene.

The agency said a witness reported hearing gunshots before noticing a possible suspect walking northbound on the trail toward the university campus. The Vermont State Police conducted a house-to-house canvass of the area near the Rail Trail Thursday night but did not locate anyone. 

“We have no idea where this gentlemen, suspect took off,” VSP Maj. Daniel Trudeau said Friday. 

The witness described the person seen near the campus as a White male with short, dark hair, standing at approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall. The man was reportedly wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack.