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- This Week in Crime: October 7 - 13, 2023
This Week in Crime: October 7 - 13, 2023
Top Stories of the Week
Vermont State Police Release Sketch of Person of Interest in Killing of Retired College Dean
Castleton, Vermont - Vermont State Police have released a composite sketch of a person of interest in the killing of Honoree Fleming, a retired college dean who was shot dead last week while walking on a trail near the Vermont State University campus in Castleton. The crime has unsettled the small college town, prompting police to urge the public to remain vigilant. It is yet to be determined whether the shooting was a random act or a targeted attack.
The sketch was created based on witness accounts of a man seen on the trail before Fleming’s body was discovered. According to Capt. Scott Dunlap, commander of the Vermont State Police major crime unit, the person of interest is described as a white male, approximately 5-foot-10 (1.78 meters) tall, with short red hair, and appearing to be in his 20s. He was observed wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack. Police consider him armed and dangerous.
Split Verdict in Trial of Aurora Police Officers Charged in Death of Elijah McClain
Elijah McClain, Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt
Aurora, Colorado - Jurors in Brighton delivered a split decision in the trial of two Aurora police officers charged in the death of Elijah McClain. Aurora police officer Randy Roedema, 41, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault, while former officer Jason Rosenblatt, 34, was acquitted on all charges. Roedema will return to Adams County District Court for sentencing, while the case against Rosenblatt is now over.
Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old, was approached by officers on August 24, 2019, after a 911 caller reported him as a suspicious person. Within seconds, the officers threw McClain to the ground and restrained him. One officer, Nathan Woodyard, applied a carotid hold, causing McClain to lose consciousness. McClain suffered a heart attack after being injected with ketamine by Aurora paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec. He passed away in the hospital days later.
Six Decades On: New Lead Emerges in Ohio Cold Case Murder
Paulding, Ohio - Ohio authorities hope to solve a murder mystery that has eluded them for over 60 years following a breakthrough in the tragic case of 14-year-old Nancy Eagleson. With the help of forensic artistry, a composite sketch of the suspected killer has been produced, based on memories from Eagleson’s sister, Sheryl.
On the evening of Nov. 13, 1960, Nancy Eagleson and her 5-year-old sister were making their way home from a movie theater in Paulding. After stopping for a soda, they were approached by a white male driver who offered them a lift. Nancy’s refusal led to her forceful abduction, leaving Sheryl behind. Tragically, Nancy’s body was discovered the next day in a nearby forest, having suffered from gunshot wounds and sexual assault.
In Other Crime News
Laramie, Wyoming - Reflecting on Matthew Shepard: The Need for Inclusion and Continued Vigilance. Read More.
Arras, France - Teacher Killed in Knife Attack at French School. Read More.
San Diego, California - Former NFL Player Sergio Brown Arrested in Connection with Mother’s Death. Read More.
New York, New York - Member of NYC Drug Crew Sentenced to Five Years in Connection with Actor Michael K. Williams’ Death. Read More.
Bristol, Connecticut - Woman Opens Fire Inside Bristol Police Department. Watch Video.
CrimeDoor Blog
Inside the World of Undercover Agents
From Hollywood blockbusters to gripping TV dramas, the concept of undercover work has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Highly represented in pop culture, the stories of these covert operatives have become synonymous with excitement, suspense, and the fight against crime.
But what is the reality behind the glamorous façade?
In this article, we will delve into the lives of undercover agents and explore the challenges they face, the risks they take, and their impact on fighting crime.
Crime History
OCTOBER 7, 1849 - Edgar Allan Poe
Renowned author Edgar Allan Poe was found at Ryan’s Tavern in Baltimore on Oct. 3, 1849. At the time, Poe, 40, was supposed to be traveling home to New York City from Virginia. He left Richmond on Sept. 27 and disappeared for close to a week before being found in the pub. Poe was reportedly “in a state of beastly intoxication” and was unable to explain how or why he was in the bar. He was taken to nearby Washington College Hospital where he was confined in the section reserved for drunks. Poe reportedly called out the name Reynolds repeatedly the night of Oct. 6. The following day, Poe said, “Lord, help my poor soul” and died.
Poe’s belongings were eventually located in the Swan Tavern in Richmond. It was unclear why he left them there. Any records investigating Poe’s death have been lost. Theories, however, are many regarding what happened to the famed writer of classics such as “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Causes as varying as hypoglycemia, murder, and suicide have been suggested. In addition, Poe was a heavy drinker, and it was believed he was drunk when he was found, so alcohol could have been the cause of his death.
Others believed Poe was kidnapped and forced into a scheme called “cooping,” which involved political gangs forcing people to vote at multiple polling places during an election. Poe was found on the day of an election wearing dirty clothes that did not fit him. Another theory was that he was bitten by a bat while being forced to vote and died from rabies. Whatever the cause, it seems unlikely the reason for Poe’s death will ever be known.
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