University of Vermont student killed in murder-suicide blocks away from campus

A former College of Vermont pupil armed with an AR-15-style weapon shot and killed a lady and significantly injured her pal earlier than turning the gun on himself simply blocks from the faculty campus, police have mentioned. 

Mikal Dixon, 27, broke into the window of an condo alongside North Winooski Avenue in Burlington at 2:20 a.m. Monday, after unsuccessfully attempting to drive open the entrance door, mentioned Burlington Police Division Appearing Chief Jon Murad. Kayla Noonan, 22, and a pal, who was recognized solely as “C.R.,” have been staying on the condo on the time. 

Lessons at the college, which has a campus about one mile from the approximate crime scene, are scheduled to start Aug. 29. 

Dixon, police mentioned, climbed via the window with an AR-15-style short-barrel rifle, at which level he started capturing. 

“He shot and killed Ms. Noonan. He shot and wounded C.R., after which he shot and killed himself,” Murad mentioned. Police have been in a position to piece collectively the tragic sequence of occasions from C.R., who referred to as 911 however was “very near demise,” by the point officers have been in a position to get into the house. 

Police feared C.R.’s description of the occasions can be “dying declaration statements,” based mostly on her situation, however she is now in secure however important situation, Murad mentioned. 

Investigators decided that Dixon and Noonan “had a relationship going again a number of years,” and there was additionally a relationship between all three of them, although Murad wouldn’t describe the relationships in additional element.

The weapon was recovered on the scene, although police couldn’t instantly say whether or not the gun was legally bought.

The motive within the assault was not specified.

When you or somebody you recognize is experiencing suicidal ideas or a psychological well being disaster, please contact the Suicide & Disaster Lifeline at 988.