Robert Marquis, 52, of Hardwick, died this weekend at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. He had been receiving treatment for injuries from a gunshot wound to the head sustained at his home in Hardwick on Wednesday. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound and classified it as a homicide.

The Vermont State Police (VSP) continues to investigate the incident. With the suspect, Donald Brochu Jr., 55, deceased by suicide, the case will be reviewed by the Caledonia County State’s Attorney’s Office once VSP completes its investigation.

Brochu, who was renting a room in Marquis’ home, shot Marquis before fleeing. He later committed suicide after an encounter with police. VSP’s Crisis Negotiation Unit attempted to deescalate the situation, but Brochu ultimately shot himself.

A use of force review is underway by VSP, following the deployment of less-than-lethal rounds during the encounter with Brochu. The initial shooting and subsequent events are under investigation by various law enforcement divisions, with the Hardwick Police Department and other agencies assisting.

Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the case to contact the Vermont State Police in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111.

Police op in Readsboro ends safely – A police operation has concluded in Readsboro, and a suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Devin Hanson, 40, a resident of the King Hill Road address where the police operation took place, was ordered jailed on $200 bail for misdemeanor charges of criminal threatening, violation of a no-stalking order, and violation of conditions of release. The third charge arose from Hanson’s arrest in August on a charge of simple assault following accusations that he had physically assaulted a neighbor.

The court in August released Hanson on conditions that he stay away from the neighbor, who also subsequently obtained a no-stalking order against him.

On Monday, Nov. 13, the neighbor reported that Hanson had been yelling and making threats of physical violence. Troopers from the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks responded to Hanson’s home and attempted to speak with him, at which point he retreated into the residence and displayed signs of being in crisis. To deescalate the situation, troopers withdrew from the immediate scene and began working with the Bennington County State’s Attorney’s Office to obtain arrest and search warrants.

Tuesday evening, VSP’s Tactical Services Unit responded to Hanson’s home and issued a call for him to come out and surrender peacefully, and Hanson complied.

He was transported to the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland and is scheduled to be arraigned at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Bennington.