Title: Woman Found Dead on Popular Trail in Vermont, State Police Launch Investigation
Subtitle: Authorities Seek Public Assistance in Identifying Armed and Dangerous Suspect
Date: [Current Date]
Location: Castleton, Vermont
State police in Vermont are conducting a thorough investigation after a woman was discovered deceased on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail in Castleton. The Vermont State Police have deemed the death “suspicious” and have urged the public to come forward with any pertinent information.
According to the authorities, they received a distress call on Thursday afternoon alerting them to a deceased woman on the trail. Upon their arrival at approximately 4:30 p.m., the woman’s lifeless body was discovered. The cause of her death is yet to be determined and will be unveiled following an autopsy.
A witness at the scene reported hearing gunshots and observed a potential suspect heading northbound on the trail, providing crucial information to law enforcement officials.
The Vermont State Police have described the unidentified suspect as a White male, approximately 5’10” tall, with short, dark hair. The individual was last seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt and carrying a black backpack. Authorities caution that the suspect should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
The investigation is currently ongoing, and the Vermont State Police Department is urging anyone with pertinent information to reach out to investigators. In an update issued on Friday morning, the department requested that the public and local businesses in the Castleton area review surveillance footage captured from the afternoon into the evening of October 5 for any sightings of an individual matching the suspect’s description.
Out of an abundance of caution, CBS affiliate WCAX reported that the nearby Vermont State University campus in Castleton is closed on Friday. A shelter-in-place order has been issued for all students on campus to ensure their safety.
The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail, popularly referred to as the Rail Trail, spans 19.8 miles and was once a functioning railroad. It consists of two sections in Vermont, divided by a segment located in New York state. The trail is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
This distressing incident occurs approximately two months after another woman was found dead on a hiking trail in Maryland. That case remains unsolved with a $30,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.
The Vermont State Police are working diligently to bring justice to the victim and ensure the safety of the community. As the investigation progresses, the cooperation of the public is crucial in identifying the armed and dangerous suspect.