Public Safety
Coventry shooting
The fatal shooting of a border patrol agent in Coventry in January 2025 led VTDigger’s reporters to help uncover a dark network of people known by some as “the Zizians.” Authorities have tied the group to a half-dozen homicides around the country.
Attorney seeks sentencing delay for leader of murder-for-hire plot that killed Vermont man
Prosecutors oppose a delay, contending that Serhat Gumrukcu faces a mandatory life-in-prison sentence and any additional time to prepare for the hearing won’t change that.
After post-release transports scrapped, lawmakers consider how to handle rides to and from prison
Last month, the state phased out a system, started during Covid-19, that provided rides for people leaving prison. It’s only the latest change to a beleaguered judicial transport system.
U.S. attorney general to decide whether to seek death penalty for double slaying in Vermont
A federal prosecutor told a judge Monday in the case against Theodore Bland that they are waiting on a decision from Pamela Bondi on whether to pursue his execution.
For Vermont survivors of orphanage abuse, the restorative justice process is over. The journey is not.
“For some, this will complete their healing,” one said at the dedication of a memorial at Burlington’s shuttered St. Joseph’s Orphanage. “For others, there’s still much to do.”
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New 3-year contract aims to better attract and retain Burlington police officers
Police union members called it a strong contract that will help rebuild morale and staffing in the Burlington Police Department.
Teresa Youngblut denies murder charge, other offenses, in fatal shooting of border patrol agent
Youngblut’s appearance Friday afternoon was the first court hearing since prosecutors filed upgraded charges last month against the former Seattle resident, which carry the possibility of the death penalty.
Witnesses: Police fatally shot man in Springfield during operation targeting someone else
The victim, James Crary, left behind a 10-year-old daughter who “meant a lot to him,” a friend said.
Davona Williams transferred to Michigan after ICE arrest in Manchester
“Davona is staying strong in the face of a challenging legal system that is stacked against her,” her lawyer said.
Shelburne police sergeant reaches plea deal, avoids jail time for deadly crash
“There was no last hug, no final I love you,” the victim’s mother told the judge in a statement during an emotional court hearing Thursday.
Two plead not guilty in downtown Burlington ‘mob-style’ beating death
Defendants Isaiah Argro, 26, of Queens, New York, and a 16-year-old Colchester resident entered not guilty pleas and were ordered held without bail Tuesday morning.
Hinesburg ends its police contract with Richmond
The decision came as both towns are negotiating contracts with their individual police unions and after months of slow-moving police governance meetings between members of the towns’ respective selectboards.
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