Castleton, Vermont, police have released a sketch of a suspect in the death of a retired college dean on a popular hiking trail.
According to a news statement from Vermont State Police, the individual shown in the drawing was seen on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail on October 5 at about 4:30 p.m., not far from where the body of 77-year-old Honoree Fleming was discovered.
The person of interest was last seen on foot, according to state police, and is described as a 5’10” Caucasian guy in his 20s with short red hair, wearing a dark gray T-shirt, and carrying a black bag.
Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sgt. Adam Temple allegedly drove to Vermont to develop the composite sketch after interviewing witnesses who claimed to have seen the suspect while hiking.
“Sgt. Temple interviewed the witnesses, obtained their descriptions of the person of interest, and then spent multiple hours creating the sketch, reviewing it with the witnesses, and making revisions based on their feedback,” according to the law enforcement agency.
Anyone who believes they know the person represented in the sketch is invited to contact police or leave an anonymous report.
According to police, they are currently investigating the killing and are evaluating pertinent evidence.
The police stated that they do not have any other information at this time. According to state police, an autopsy performed by the Burlington Medical Examiner’s office found that Fleming died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. She was found to have been killed.
A witness said he saw a “possible suspect” driving north on the road after shots were fired. The suspect is “armed and dangerous,” according to Vermont State Police.
The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail is 19.8 miles long and follows an abandoned rail route. The trail might be divided into two sections in Vermont and one in New York. Everyone who wishes to stroll, ride a bike, or ride a horse can use the trail.
Another woman was discovered deceased on the same road in Maryland about two months prior to this incidence. In that instance, there is a $30,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.