By Guy Page

Three unsolved Vermont homicides spanning nearly 70 years remain open investigations, with the Vermont State Police continuing to seek public assistance in solving these cold cases. All three victims—Barbara Agnew, Doris Baker, and Angela Belisle—were women found murdered under suspicious and violent circumstances. 

All three ‘cold cases’ come from the Vermont State Police Unsolved Homicides webpage. Each case remains officially open, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

Barbara Agnew (1987)
Found in Hartland; vehicle located at I-91 rest area in White River Junction

On January 10, 1987, Barbara Agnew, 39, a nurse from Norwich, was reported missing after her vehicle was found abandoned at a northbound rest area along Interstate 91 in White River Junction. Her car showed signs of a struggle, prompting immediate concern for her welfare.

Several weeks later, Agnew’s body was discovered in a wooded area in Hartland, not far from where her vehicle was found. An autopsy confirmed she was the victim of a homicide. Despite decades of investigation, no arrests have been made.

Anyone who may have been traveling on I-91 that night or who recalls unusual activity at the rest area is asked to contact authorities. Even minor details could provide crucial leads.

Doris Baker (1958)
Barre – Floor Covering Store, Inc.

Doris Baker, 45, was found dead on February 19, 1958, inside the Floor Covering Store, Inc., a business she co-owned with her husband in Barre. She was alone at the time of her death. Investigators quickly determined she had been murdered, and that other crimes had occurred at the scene, though details have never been fully disclosed.

Despite early efforts by Barre police and, later, the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Baker’s case remains unsolved more than six decades later. Advances in forensic technology have prompted periodic reviews of the case, but no new public developments have been announced.

Angela Belisle (1981)
Brookes Avenue, Burlington

On January 3, 1981, the body of 35-year-old Angela Belisle was found outside her residence on Brookes Avenue in Burlington. The Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide, stating she had been shot sometime during the 24 hours prior to discovery.

The investigation yielded few leads, and Belisle’s case has remained cold for over 40 years. Burlington Police and state investigators have periodically revisited the case, but it remains unsolved.

Authorities Seeking Public Help

The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit continues to investigate these and other unsolved homicides. Captain Schmidt, the unit commander, urges anyone with information to step forward—regardless of how much time has passed.

Tips can be submitted anonymously online at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit or by texting keyword VTIPS to 274637 (CRIMES).

Even a small piece of information could help bring long-overdue answers to the families of these women.