CASTLETON, V.T. (NEWS10) — Authorities in Castleton are investigating the murder of a woman near a local rail trail. Vermont State Police announced that the victim was Honoree Fleming, 77, of Castleton, though they don’t officially have a suspect. 

As of the evening of October 6, police have a description of the suspect, and they say that the killer should be considered armed and dangerous.

“The male suspect, as I will call just him, was described to us as somebody in their possibly late 20s. Short. Dark hair…One witness described it as dark red hair…Wearing a dark colored shirt. That dark colored shirt–I think we referred to in our release last night as dark gray– one person described it as black. So it could be a combination of that, and it depends on their angle… and the sunlight” said State Police Major Dan Trudeau.

A witness in the area reported a possible suspect was northbound on the rail trail walking towards the Castleton University Campus after gunshots were heard. Despite the victim not being a student, the college issued a shelter in place order as a precaution, even though classes were canceled for the week.

Paroled sex offender arrested in Gloversville Rail Trail assault

CJ Corazzin, a business student at Castleton University, says he and his friends have been adhering to the shelter in place advisory. “It’s a small town. I mean there’s only 2500 kids who go to school here so, and like I said only… 10 to 15 percent of students are on campus so it’s a bit alarming you never really expect it out here.” Corrazin said.

Vermont State Police with assistance from the Castleton Police Department are leading the investigation. Major Trudeau says the autopsy of the victim is still ongoing at the medical examiner’s office in Burlington.

The section of the rail trail that had been closed for the investigation is re-opened on Friday night.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators in this case is asked to contact the Vermont State Police in Rutland at 802-773-9101. Tips also may be submitted anonymously online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.