Cops Release Sketch of Person of Interest in Murder of Retired University Dean

Vermont State Police have released a composite sketch of a person of interest in the shooting death of retired Vermont State University dean Honoree Fleming, who was shot dead on a rail trail near the campus.

Fleming, 77, was found dead with a gunshot to the back of the head on the on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail at about 4:30 p.m. on October 5, as CrimeOnline reported.

Witnesses described seeing a man near where Fleming’s body was found just before the gunshots, according to state police. They described him as about 5 feet 10 inches tall with short, red hair, wearing a gray shirt, and carrying a black backpack.

Police said they have received hundreds of tips and are following up each of them, conducting interviews and collecting evidence. They have also provided assistance to Fleming’s family.

Fleming was dean of education at the Castleton campus of Vermont State University when she retired in 2012. She was the wife of Pulitzer Prize winning author Ron Powers.

Police asked anyone who recognizes the person in the sketch to call the Vermont State Police’s Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101, or provide an anonymous tip online at

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