Hunting Incident - Two Deceased

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE
Hunting Incident in Readsboro, Two Deceased
Det. Sgt. Albert Abdelnour, New Haven Barracks, 802-388-4919

Readsboro, VT – 11/26/2011 – The Vermont State Police received a 911 call at 12:13PM today regarding a hunting incident that occurred approximately 1 mile west in the woods off of the Howe Pond Rd. Troopers from the Vermont State Police Barracks in Shaftsbury and Brattleboro were dispatched immediately. Upon arrival troopers found that Benjamin Birch, age 39 of Readsboro, and Timothy Bolognani, age 49 of Readsboro, were deceased of apparent gunshot wounds.

Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations were dispatched and learned that Birch and Bolognani were hunting with their friend, Mark Colford, in the woods off of Howe Pond Rd in the town of Readsboro. At some time in the morning of November 26, Birch shot a deer, which continued to run. He tracked the deer along with Bolognani and Colford. Bolognani fired and heard Birch shout out. Colford and Bolognani found Birch shot and lying on the ground. Birch subsequently died. Distraught Bolognani used his rifle to take his own life.

Both subjects were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. At this point no evidence of foul play has been found and the case is pending the results of the final autopsy.

No other information is available at this time, as the incident is still under investigation. Once complete, the case will be reviewed by local state’s attorney office.

Members from the Vermont Division of Fish and Game, Readsboro Fire Department, Whitingham Ambulance Squad, and North Adams Rescue assisted in this incident.

When more information becomes available, an update will be issued.