WHEELOCK, Vt. – Two consecutive shooting incidents have left the Northeast Kingdom community in shock as authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the two deaths. The first victim, Wilmer Rodriguez, 27, of Hartford, Connecticut, was found dead in Newport Town on Saturday evening, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. Just a day later, a second shooting occurred in the town of Wheelock, located about 30 miles south of Newport Town.
During a news briefing on Monday, Vermont State Police revealed few details about both cases, emphasizing that they do not currently have any suspects. They also stated their belief that the two deaths are not related to each other or to a recent homicide in Castleton.
The investigation into the Wheelock shooting is still in its early stages, with the victim’s body being discovered at a home on Route 16 at around 6:30 a.m. on Monday. Police have confirmed that the victim died from gunshot wounds but have not released the victim’s identity pending the results of an autopsy.
Despite the lack of leads in the case, Vermont State Police are seeking assistance from the public, urging anyone with information to come forward and share any relevant security footage or other evidence they may have. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community vigilance while reassuring residents that they are not warning of a dangerous individual on the loose.
The investigation into the Newport Town homicide is similarly complex, with authorities suspecting that it may have been a targeted killing with potential ties to drug-related activities. They have not yet taken a suspect into custody.
The recent events have left the local community on edge, with residents expressing their concerns about safety in the wake of the shootings. With a total of 17 homicides in Vermont for the year 2023, the incidents have prompted reflection on the frequency of such violent acts in the state. This recent spike in homicides follows a year with 25 recorded incidents, one of the highest totals on record in Vermont.
As Vermont State Police continue their investigations, the community remains on alert, hoping for swift progress in bringing justice to the victims and their families.