CASTLETON, VT – A woman’s body was discovered on a well-known trail in Castleton, prompting an investigation by the Vermont State Police. The death, which occurred on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail, was labeled as “suspicious” by the authorities. The call about the deceased woman was received on Thursday afternoon, and upon arrival around 4:30 p.m., the police found the woman, whose identity is yet to be revealed.
The cause of death is still unknown and will be determined following an autopsy. A witness at the scene reported hearing gunshots and seeing a potential suspect heading north on the trail. The suspect remains unidentified and is considered to be “armed and dangerous,” according to the Vermont State Police.
The suspect was depicted as a Caucasian male. He is approximately 5’10″ tall, with short, dark hair. He was last seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt and carrying a black backpack. The police are asking for anyone with relevant information to come forward and aid in the investigation.
In response to the incident, Vermont State University, located nearby, was closed on Friday as a precautionary measure. The university issued a shelter-in-place order for its students while the authorities responded to the scene.
The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail, often referred to as the Rail Trail, is a 19.8-mile stretch of former railroad track. It is divided into two sections in Vermont, separated by a segment in New York state. The trail is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders.
This incident follows a similar case two months ago when another woman was found dead on a popular hiking trail in Maryland. No arrests have been made in that case, and a $30,000 reward is being offered.