Sketch of retired Vermont college dean Honoree Fleming's suspected killer released as her husband urges police to 'catch this man'
CASTLETON, VERMONT: Police have released a composite sketch of the person they believe may be involved in the fatal shooting of retired dean and professor at Vermont State University Honoree Fleming.
The 77-year-old dean and wife of Pulitzer-winning author Ron Powers was killed on the D&H Rail Trail in Castleton on October 5 afternoon.
How was the sketch of the suspected killer prepared?
The sketch was prepared by Detective Sgt Adam Temple of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office in Bath, Maine.
The police said he traveled to Vermont to interview witnesses who saw the person of interest on the trail, as reported by NBC5.
The sketch is based on their descriptions and feedback, police shared in a press conference on Wednesday, October 11.
"This is the best from their recollection so it’s not gonna be 100 percent perfect. But just like any other composite sketch, there could be some variations. So, if you see some variations and you might think it’s the person, please reach out and we can look into it,” said Captain Scott Dunlap of the Vermont State Police.
Description of 'dangerous' killer released as police conduct DNA testing on Honoree Fleming
The person of interest is described as a man in his 20s, with red hair and wearing a gray shirt and a black backpack.
He is said to be about five feet and 10 inches in height. Witnesses reported that he was acting strangely, running or walking fast away from the scene.
Fleming had been shot in the side of the head. Her death is being investigated as homicide.
"We don't know right now if it's random or if it was targeted," Dunlap said.
Fleming’s body has been processed for fibers and DNA evidence, but the testing has not been done yet, according to police.
Ron Powers' heartfelt tribute to his wife Honoree Fleming
Ron Powers, who revealed that his wife Honoree had been shot once or possibly twice to the side of the head, described her as "sterling heart."
"She has taken far more than half my own heart and soul with her," he said.
He also posted on the Facebook about Vermont police releasing sketch of the artist. Few of the reactions to the post said that the police was "closer" with another writing, "praying for an arrest and conviction."
On close friend reacted to the sketch saying, "Find this evil..." Another added, "My hope is that earth isn't big enough for him to hide."
Ron wrote in a reaction that, "...I am not speculating. I don't care. I only care that they catch this man, and I care about that only because I don't want him to harm other people...."