Retired university dean married to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer found shot dead on Vermont trail as suspect remains at large
A retired university dean and wife of a Pulitzer Prize-winning author was found dead on her ‘favorite’ trail in Vermont.
The wife of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Powers, 81, was shot to death on a train track near the campus of Vermont State University – where she once served as dean – in Castleton.
Honoree Fleming, 77, died of a gunshot to the head and the medical examiner determined the shooting was a homicide, police said.
Vermont State Police are urging the public, businesses and hunters in the areas near the Castleton campus of Vermont State University to check their security cameras and CCTV footage for clues that could lead to finding the suspect.
An unidentified witness reported that a suspect – described as a 5-foot-10 white male with short dark hair and wearing a gray T-shirt and black backpack – was seen near the scene of the crime after the gunshots were heard , ABC News reported.
A ‘beloved’ retired university student dead at Vermont State University was found shot to death on a trail near her home in Castleton, Vermont
Honoree Fleming (77) was married to Puliter Prize-winning author Ron Powers (81), who described the trail where his wife was shot dead as her ‘favourite’ to hike.
Fleming and Powers had two sons together – one of whom died tragically in 2005 before turning 21. Powers was open in his books about his sons’ struggles with schizophrenia
The Delaware & Hudson Railroad where Fleming’s body was found is just a mile away from the Castleton campus of the university where she used to work.
The Castleton campus of Vermont State University described Fleming as a ‘beloved teacher’ who will be ‘deeply missed’.
Fleming was also the wife of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, novelist, and nonfiction writer Ron Powers.
Powers and Fleming had two sons – one of whom tragically died by suicide in 2005 before turning 21. The author was candid about how both of the couple’s sons suffered from schizophrenia.
Powers described the railroad track where his wife was found dead as her “favorite” trail to walk on.
Posting online on Friday, Powers said: ‘There is an area wide dragnet out for her killer. The police believe it was random, but all possibilities remain open.’
The Castleton campus closed Friday due to the incident and a shelter-in-place order is in effect for those on campus due to the investigation.
Fleming was previously a faculty member at Trinity College, Middlebury College, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
The university said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we have learned that Honoree Fleming, Ph.D., 77, a retired Dean of Education at Castleton, was the victim of a homicide on the D&H Rail Trail in Castleton, a mile from off campus. she called home’
Powers shared the ‘heartbreaking’ news in a Facebook post where he said he was ‘in shock’ and there were moments he wished he could cry
Powers shared the ‘heartbreaking news’ with friends in a Facebook post: ‘To my friends – I have heartbreaking news. Dear Honoree was shot and killed late Thursday afternoon while walking along her favorite trail near the college.
‘The killer fired a shot – possibly two – to the side of her head and walked away. She died instantly.
“Dean and I are—well, I don’t have to tell you. Dean’s regular medication keeps him stable, and he has his best friend with him. They have a small bonfire outside. As for me, I’m still in shock.
‘There are moments when I wish to God I could cry. I shall. I will post more as more details come in. And I will write more, much more, about my beloved Honoree as I can.
‘Those of you who knew her know that she was called pretty. I have never known a better heart and soul than hers. She took much more than half of my own heart and soul with her.
‘Honored. I am sure most of you will want to write. (Do not call.) Please understand that I will not be able to answer you individually, at least for a long time. And don’t desecrate her bright spirit with emojis. Thank you all, from Honoree and me, for your loving friendship.’
The university released a statement that said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we have learned that Honoree Fleming, Ph.D., 77, a retired Dean of Education at Castleton, was the victim of a homicide on the D&H Rail Trail in Castleton, a mile from the campus she called home. Honoree was part of the Castleton family and was beloved by faculty, staff and students.
‘Many students have benefited from dr. Fleming’s teachings and research. Prior to joining Castleton, she was also a faculty member at Trinity College, Middlebury College, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Honoree lived in Castleton with her husband, Ron Powers, a Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author.
“Our hearts go out to the members of our community who taught with Honoree and had her as a beloved teacher during their time at Castleton. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her husband, Ron, family and friends.
“This is an incredible tragedy for the Castleton campus and for all of Vermont State University. Honoree will be deeply missed.’