Alan J. Keays

A state panel banned Peter Newton from Vermont police work on Tuesday after his earlier convictions on charges of lewd and lascivious conduct and simple assault.

The case is a rare instance in Vermont where a person is facing a voluntary manslaughter charge after a fatal animal attack.

Michelle Zajko, a former resident of the Northeast Kingdom, faces two counts of first-degree murder as well as other criminal offenses, a Pennsylvania prosecutor announced this week.

Randy Lemieux II pleaded not guilty to the felony count Friday in a Newport courthouse. Police say he was driving a side-by-side vehicle when it rolled over.

Tamara Stone appeared in court Monday by video from jail and pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted second-degree murder and other charges.

Lawyers for Tate Rheaume are seeking to appeal the ruling to the Vermont Supreme Court, contending it is a matter for the jury to decide.

Courtney Samplatsky is set to plead guilty this month to a manslaughter charge as well as a count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the June 2022 fatal shooting.

The program permits participants to avoid a criminal conviction provided they complete the requirements, which can include counseling and community service.

“Defense investigation into the veracity and consistency of these accounts is ongoing, but there are reasons to question the accuracy and forthrightness of these law enforcement accounts,” the murder suspect's attorney wrote.

The ruling Wednesday comes ahead of a trial set for September for Jason Eaton on three counts of attempted murder.