Criminal Justice & Public Safety

Three separate homicides around Vermont this fall involved young men accused of killing members of their family. Law enforcement officials say these unusually violent incidents highlight a long-standing gap between the criminal justice and mental health systems. Mental health experts disagree.

Eric Labarge will serve more than three years in prison, plus pay a fine and restitution for his role in vandalizing the homes of two New Hampshire Public Radio journalists.

Vermont State Police have steeply increased their use of drones since 2019. As more departments across the state acquire the new technology for things like search-and-rescue missions, usage is expected to continue to grow.

Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad won’t seek reappointment next year, and the city says there will be a national search to find a replacement.

The top prosecutor in Chittenden County says she doesn't expect to add hate crime charges against Jason Eaton, who is accused of shooting two Palestinian Americans and a Palestinian last year in Burlington.

Candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and governor shared their campaign platforms with incarcerated Vermonters in a first-of-its-kind event at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield.

Vermont was one of at least 15 states — including Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island — to receive suspicious packages in mid-September. Local election officials here will have access to overdose-reversing medication while opening election mail.

Grand Isle County State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito is dismissing the simple assault charge against Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore that's been pending for nearly two years. The move came a week after a second jury failed to reach a verdict in the case.

Brian Crossman Jr., 22, is accused of killing his father, stepmother and stepbrother in a shooting last month. He’s been charged with three counts of aggravated murder, and faces a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole if convicted.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington filed for bankruptcy on Monday in a bid to resolve more than two dozen sexual abuse lawsuits. Since 2006, the diocese has paid more than $30 million to settle abuse allegations.