An autopsy of a homicide in the Northeast Kingdom town of Brownington was completed Thursday, March 19 at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington. The Vermont State Police is able to identify the victim as Alton Wheeler, 79, of Brownington.

The medical examiner determined the cause of Wheeler’s death was a stab wound to the neck, and the manner of death was a homicide.

The suspect, 43-year-old Ariana Rodger of Newport, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Thursday and was ordered held without bail pending future court appearances.