WHEELOCK, Vt. – Two shooting deaths in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont have sparked investigations by local law enforcement. The first victim, Wilmer Rodriguez, 27, of Hartford, Connecticut, was found dead in Newport Town on Saturday night. The medical examiner’s office concluded that Rodriguez died from multiple gunshot wounds, ruling his death a homicide.
A second shooting occurred early Monday morning in Wheelock, about 30 miles from Newport Town. Vermont State Police held a news briefing to address both cases, revealing that they do not have any suspects at this point. Authorities have emphasized that they do not believe the deaths are connected to each other, or to a recent homicide in Castleton.
The investigation into the Wheelock case is still in its early stages after the discovery of the victim’s body at a home on Route 16. While the victim’s name has not been released, police have confirmed that the cause of death was gunshot wounds. They are seeking the public’s assistance as they have few leads in the case.
Despite the absence of a suspect, local authorities are urging residents in Wheelock to remain vigilant. Police are asking anyone with security systems or game cameras showing Route 16 and neighboring roads in the area to come forward with any potentially useful information.
In Newport Town, the location of the first shooting, police have not identified any suspects either. However, they suspect that the killing was targeted and possibly drug-related. Locals in the area expressed concerns over their safety, with some feeling uneasy about the situation. These two latest homicides bring the total number in Vermont for 2023 to 17, which is still below the count for the previous year.
As investigations continue, local communities are urged to remain cautious and to report any information that may aid in solving these cases.