in the killing of a retired college dean who was shot dead a week ago on a recreation trail in the small college townand is based on witnesses’ accounts of a man they saw on the trail before they came across the body of Honoree Fleming, 77, police said. Fleming died of a gunshot wound to the head while walking along the trail on the afternoon of Oct. 5, about 1 mile south of the Vermont State University Castleton Campus.
The person of interest is described as a 5'10" male in his 20s with short, red hair. He was wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack and is considered armed and dangerous, police said. Witnesses reported that the man was acting odd, and more than one person observed him, Capt. Scott Dunlap, commander of the Vermont State Police major crime unit, said Wednesday. He also said police did not know if the shooting was random or targeted and advised the public to remain vigilant.
State police have said tips from the public continue are a"crucial component" of the case, and anyone with information is asked to call them at 802-773-9101. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at