by VDC Staff

State and local authorities are investigating a fatal incident that left one person dead and another injured early Thursday morning at a residence in Hartford.

Police said the case began at about 3:50 a.m., when a 911 caller reported a disturbance at a home on Verna Court, off VA Cutoff Road. Responding Hartford officers found one victim deceased at the scene and a second suffering injuries described as non-life-threatening. The injured individual was taken to a hospital for treatment.

No arrests have been made. The Vermont State Police and Hartford Police Department said initial evidence suggests the incident was isolated, and there is no broader threat to the public.

Members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division and Victim Services Unit are working on the investigation in coordination with Hartford police.

Authorities said the deceased victim’s body will be transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The victims’ names are being withheld pending family notification.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Vermont State Police barracks in Royalton at 802-234-9933 or submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit
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In other police news across Vermont:

• In Saint Johnsbury, troopers this week cited Michael McKee, 73, following a reported July 12 dispute on Breezy Hill Road. Police allege McKee threatened to shoot Armena Garfield, 46, of Saint Johnsbury, and Lydia Garfield, 21, of Cambridge, placing them in fear for their lives. McKee is scheduled to appear in court.

• On Interstate 89, state police on August 19 arrested James Karg, 55, of Sharon, after reports of an erratic driver led to a slow-speed pursuit from Brookfield to Waterbury. Troopers said Karg’s vehicle struck a trailer being towed by another vehicle before coming to a stop. He was charged with DUI, attempting to elude, and gross negligent operation, and was cited into court. No injuries were reported in the crash.

• In Berlin, police August 19 cited John Bradley Stelzl, 36, of Morrisville, in connection with a retail theft reported at Kohl’s on Berlin Mall Road. Officers said public assistance helped identify Stelzl, who is scheduled to appear in court in late September. Stelzl drew attention last year when he alleged excessive force by a St. Johnsbury police officer, who was later cleared.