Vermont State Police have distributed a sketch of a person of interest who was seen on the rail trail about the time a retired Castleton University dean was killed a week ago. State police say more than 150 tips have come in since the image was released Wednesday.
77-year-old Honoree Fleming began her regular evening walk on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail at about 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon October 5th , entering the trail from the Castleton University pavilion area headed south. She was found dead on the trail at 4:30.
On Wednesday police released a composite sketch of a person of interest seen by witnesses just prior and close to where Fleming’s body was found.
Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit Commander Captain Scott Dunlap said the sketch is based on witness descriptions.
“The purpose of this composite sketch and how this all came about was with the witnesses that had observed the person of interest on the trail prior to coming across Ms. Fleming’s body. A description has been put out previously and this is the sketch that would go with that description. The Vermont State Police worked alongside a sketch artist. He sat down and he worked through this composite sketch with the witnesses. So that’s how this sketch came about. We’d like to have anybody that recognizes or thinks they recognize this person in the sketch to reach out to the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks or they can also submit a tip anonymously online.”
Dunlap would only say there was more than one witness and they were walking together on the trail when they saw the person of interest. He said they noticed him because of his behavior.
“He was acting odd when they came across him prior to coming across Miss Fleming.”
Dunlap would not expound on what type of behavior was being exhibited. He noted that witness accounts vary as to how quickly the individual exited the area.
“We’ve had different witnesses report and we’ve had some say it was a fast walk. Some say he was gone immediately. Some say that he ran. So we’re not really sure.”
Police are holding details regarding the investigation close to the chest, including any evidence that may have been collected, how many shots were fired, if there were signs of a struggle or if there were any wounds other than the shot to the head.
Dunlap said there’s no obvious motive.
“We don’t know right now if it was random or if it was targeted. That’s why we’re keeping this very open as far as to the public to remain vigilant.”
Castleton Police Chief Peter Mantello cautioned people not to confront anyone who may be the person illustrated in the composite sketch.
“Do not try to do anything on your own. Contact the police and their nearest agency, 9-1-1, the tip line and then pass that information on.”
Police do not know if the person of interest is still in the Castleton, Vermont area. He is described as a white man in his 20s with short red hair about 5 feet 10 inches tall. At the time he was wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack.
