MURDER PROBE CONTINUES

[Henry]

Friday September 9, 2005

Murder probe continues


By LEON THOMPSON
Messenger Staff Writer


SHELDON –– The lead investigator in a 2-month-old, unsolved Sheldon homicide is constantly tracking leads in the case and has it at the top of his priority list.

Vermont State Police (VSP) Det. Sgt. Kirk Cooper said this morning he receives daily tips about the July 7 murder of farmhand Kenny Jerome, 33, and he follows up on every one.

“Our job is to follow up on stuff,” Cooper said. “We’re not just letting things go.”

Late Thursday afternoon, the VSP issued a press release out of its Waterbury headquarters that said investigators still seek additional information about Jerome’s death.

“Investigators are very focused on their investigative efforts and are actively trying to locate the small bits of information which will bring this case together,” the statement said.

Police also asked anyone with information to call them and not take matters into their own hands. Cooper said that plea is a direct reference to an Aug. 19 incident in which Timothy Callan, 33, of Sheldon, allegedly fired a high-powered rifle into the East Sheldon Road home of Dennis Harrness.

Callan posted $10,000 bail and is free on conditions of release.

Harrness’s family has been mentioned repeatedly in media coverage of the Jerome shooting. Court records show a history of tension and feuds among the Harrnesses, Jerome and Jennifer Miller, Dennis Harrness’s ex-wife, who had a child with Jerome last November.

Police have not apprehended anyone for the murder, nor have they named any suspects. Cooper would not say whether he is close to arresting someone.

Miller and East Sheldon Road farmers Terry and Joanne Magnan, Jerome’s former employers, have raised $9,000 toward a reward for information regarding the case, according to police.

Other media outlets reported today that the VSP is offering the reward, but that is not the case.

“We’re not taking credit for raising the money,” Cooper said.

Anyone with more information about Jerome’s murder should call the VSP St. Albans barracks at 524-5993.