Police discover body believed to be missing UVM student
Published: Friday, October 13, 2006
By Jill Fahy and Victoria Welch
Free Press Staff WritersThe body believed to be that of missing University of Vermont student Michelle Gardner-Quinn has been found near a winding country road in Richmond.
Burlington Police Chief Thomas Tremblay announced moments ago that the body was discovered off Dugway Road.
“We have confirmed the presence of a woman’s body and she has tentatively been identified by investigators as that of Michelle Gardner-Quinn,” Tremblay said at an afternoon news conference.
Tremblay also announced Brian Rooney, 36, of Richmond, is a suspect in the girl’s disappearance. Rooney has been arrested on multiple unrelated charges, including sexual assault and lewd and lacivious conduct with a child, Tremblay said. The charges stem from incidents that occurred in Caledonia County well before Gardner-Quinn’s disappearance.
I had soooo hoped that Michelle would be found alive…I didn’t want to think that anything that horrible could have happened in a place like Burlington. At least they think they have the guy who did this…now if they would just make him pay. Of course, sadly, Vermont isn’t known for being harsh on criminals (not even pedophiles, which this guy appears to be)…no death penalty, so whatever punishment he gets won’t be enough.
A special message to Jessica (my sister), who lives in the Burlington area. Please, for God’s sake, be careful. Don’t be walking around there at night…clearly Vermont isn’t quite the safe place it used to be. I love you and would just die if anything happened to you.
Technorati Tags:Michelle Gardner-Quinn, Burlington, Vermont, Missing Persons
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That’s awful to hear about Mmichelle, Tammy.
You are invited to my 300th post which will appear Sunday night British time until Tuesday night. Hope to see you there!
it’s been weird here. friday i left work early and watched the press conference live from city hall saying they found michelle in richmond. it was pretty somber here friday nite. i still need to find where to buy pepper spray seeing the army/navy store is out…wonder why? over the weekend i definitely didn’t walk in the dark alone like i typically do. they don’t neccessarily have michelle’s killer which makes most of my friend’s and i a little on edge.
but i have taken this whole situation very seriously, and have taken yours and ma’s advice about being particularly careful.
I went to college in Burlington, VT, beginning in 1984 and have lived here since. During which time I have, mostly, lived alone, as a single woman and frequently went out on my own, until all hours. Now, at 40 years of age I look and see more violence in the entire world and know that no one is safe, where ever one resides. Think about the Amish, I mean really, who would had thought something that vile and inhumane would had unfolded there? A tip for survival for women is this…Try not to go out alone, but if need be-NEVER talk to a stranger (mainly men) when alone, ALWAYS be AWARE of your surroundings, take self defense, learn to shoot a small handgun and carry one, or carry a knife and make sure you are imminent danger before using it and also know where to strike (the testicles, or between the anus and testicles), and NEVER allow the predator to win. So sisters, take heed in the above words I have bestowed upon you and know that my thoughts are with Michelle’s parents, family and friends. Take good care.