Missing Person Suspicious

[Chris Santee]

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Missing Person with Suspicious Circumstances
CASE #:12B100874
TROOPER:           Det. Lt. Robert Cushing                 
STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks                                  CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

DATE/TIME: 3/25/12    23:00 hours
LOCATION (specific): Goss Hollow Rd. St. Johnsbury, Vt.

VICTIM:  Melissa Jenkins              AGE: 33
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:  St.Johnsbury, Vt.

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  On March 25 at approximately 11:30 PM  Melissa Jenkins, age 33 of St. Johnsbury was reported missing by a friend. The friend who had not heard from her since approximately 08:30 PM went looking for Jenkins and discovered her vehicle, a  2006 silver Suzuki Grand Vitara, parked along the side of Goss Hollow Rd. a short distance from Jenkins’ residence. Jenkins was not with the vehicle at this time, however Jenkins’ 2 year old child was discovered inside the vehicle.

Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded and searched the immediate area and Jenkins was not located. Troopers also observed evidence at the scene to indicate that Jenkins’ disappearance is potentially suspicious. Jenkins child was turned over to a family friend for the time being.

Vermont State Police Detectives and the State Police Crime Scene Search Team were called in and are currently investigating  the circumstances surrounding Jenkins’ disappearance.

Jenkins is described as a white female, approx. 5 feet 4 inches tall, approx. 130 lbs with blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information concerning this incident or may know Jenkins’ whereabouts  should call the Vermont State Police in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111. Police are also looking to speak with anyone who have driven Goss Hollow road in St. Johnsbury on Sunday evening between the hours of approximately 7:00 PM and 11:30 PM.

There is no further information available at this time. Further releases will be issued as more information becomes available.

Any additional information will be provided in an updated press release.

[Chris Santee]

http://www.wcax.com/story/17252608/search-underway-for-missing-st-johnsbury-woman

[Chris Santee]

A press conference is scheduled for 1130 hours today at the St. Johnsbury Barracks to update the media regarding the suspicious disappearance of Melissa Jenkins of St. Johnsbury, VT. 

No further information will be released prior to the press conference, therefore the media is asked to refrain from calling the State Police for information that will ultimately be issued at this morning’s press conference.   

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Missing Person with Suspicious Circumstances
CASE #:12B100874

TROOPER:           Det. Lt. Robert Cushing                 

STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks                                  CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

DATE/TIME: 3/25/12    23:00 hours
LOCATION (specific): Goss Hollow Rd. St. Johnsbury, Vt.

VICTIM:  Melissa Jenkins              AGE: 33

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:  St.Johnsbury, Vt.

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  On March 25 at approximately 11:30 PM  Melissa Jenkins, age 33 of St. Johnsbury was reported missing by a friend. The friend who had not heard from her since approximately 08:30 PM went looking for Jenkins and discovered her vehicle, a  2006 silver Suzuki Grand Vitara, parked along the side of Goss Hollow Rd. a short distance from Jenkins’ residence. Jenkins was not with the vehicle at this time, however Jenkins’ 2 year old child was discovered inside the vehicle.

Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded and searched the immediate area and Jenkins was not located. Troopers also observed evidence at the scene to indicate that Jenkins’ disappearance is suspicious. Jenkins child was turned over to a family friend for the time being.

Vermont State Police Detectives and the State Police Crime Scene Search Team were called in and are currently investigating  the circumstances surrounding Jenkins’ disappearance.

Jenkins is described as a white female, approx. 5 feet 4 inches tall, approx. 130 lbs with blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information concerning this incident or may know Jenkins’ whereabouts  should call the Vermont State Police in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111. Police are also looking to speak with anyone who have driven Goss Hollow road in St. Johnsbury on Sunday evening between the hours of approximately 7:00 PM and 11:30 PM.

There is no further information available at this time. Further releases will be issued as more information becomes available..

Any additional information will be provided in an updated press release.

Jenkins picture is attached.

[Chris Santee]

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120326/NEWS07/120326001/melissa-jenkins-st-johnsbury?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

[Chris Santee]

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE ST. JOHNSBURY BARRACKS
** PRESS RELEASE **
DATE OF RELEASE: March 26, 2012     

INCIDENT: Missing Person   
CASE #:  12B100874
INVESTIGATOR:   Det. Sgt. Walter Smith, St. Johnsbury Barracks

DATE & TIME OF INCIDENT:  March 25th, 2012 @ 2300 hours       
LOCATION:  Goss Hollow Road, St. Johnsbury 

VICTIM:     Melissa Jenkins, age 33
                St. Johnsbury, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  Below is a statement issued by Major Ed Ledo of the Vermont State Police at this morning’s press conference that took place at the St. Johnsbury Barracks:

On March 25 at approximately 11:30 PM, Melissa Jenkins, age 33 of St. Johnsbury was reported missing by a friend. The friend who had not heard from her since approximately 08:30 PM went looking for Ms. Jenkins and discovered her vehicle at that time, a 2006 silver Suzuki Grand Vitara, parked alongside Goss Hollow Road in St. Johnsbury, a short distance from Ms. Jenkins’ residence.  Ms. Jenkins was not with the vehicle; however her 2 year old son was discovered inside the vehicle, unharmed.

Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks as well as the St. Johnsbury Police Department responded and searched the immediate area including a Hardwick Police Department K-9, however Ms. Jenkins was not located.  Responding Troopers observed evidence at the scene to indicate that Ms. Jenkins’ disappearance is the result of foul play as evidence present showed signs that a struggle had occurred.     

Vermont State Police Detectives and the State Police Crime Scene Search Team were called in and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Ms. Jenkins’ disappearance as well as processing the scene and Ms. Jenkins’ vehicle.  The Vermont Air National Guard is assisting in the search for Ms. Jenkins by providing a helicopter for air support to canvas the area.  Members of the St. Johnsbury Fire Department are assisting with the search as well.  At this time, Detectives are conducting interviews and following up on numerous leads.  The public should expect that sections of Goss Hollow Road will be closed throughout the day while the search is being expanded and are asked to seek alternate routes.     

Ms. Jenkins is described as a white female, approx. 5 feet 4 inches tall, approx. 130 lbs with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Ms. Jenkins is a science teacher at the St. Johnsbury Academy.

Anyone with information concerning this incident or may know Ms. Jenkins’ whereabouts should call the Vermont State Police in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111. Police are also looking to speak with anyone who may have driven Goss Hollow road in St. Johnsbury on Sunday evening between the hours of approximately 7:00 PM and 11:30 PM.

Attached are photographs of Ms. Jenkins and her vehicle.  Additional press releases will be issued as information becomes available.

[mkr]

This is terrible.... I pray they find her safe.

[Chris Santee]

UPDATED INFORMATION:  The Vermont State Police will conduct an updated press conference this evening which will be held at the St. Johnsbury Academy located in the Charles Hosmer Morse Center for the Arts at 06:30PM.  The St. Johnsbury Academy is located at 1000 Main Street in the Town of St. Johnsbury.  Until that time, no further details pertaining to the investigation will be released.

[Chris Santee]

 

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE ST. JOHNSBURY BARRACKS

** PRESS RELEASE **
DATE OF RELEASE: March 26, 2012     

INCIDENT: Missing Person   

CASE #:  12B100874
INVESTIGATOR:   Det. Sgt. Walter Smith, St. Johnsbury Barracks

DATE & TIME OF INCIDENT:  March 25th, 2012 @ 2300 hours       
LOCATION:  Goss Hollow Road, St. Johnsbury 

VICTIM:        Melissa Jenkins, age 33

                        St. Johnsbury, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  Below is a statement issued by Major Ed Ledo, Criminal Division Commander of the Vermont State Police at this evening’s press conference that was held at the St. Johnsbury Academy:

This afternoon at approximately 1:30PM, while checking remote pull offs in the greater St. Johnsbury area, Vermont State Police Detectives located an area off of Comerford Dam Road in the Town of Barnet which appeared to have had recent activity.  The Detectives discovered an area that had been disturbed.  Upon further investigation, Detectives located a body.  Members of the Crime Scene Search Team responded to the area to process the scene for additional evidence.  The body was determined to be that of a young adult female. The body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington where an autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Tuesday to determine the cause and manner of death.  Although I cannot disclose the details of how the body was found, the death is considered suspicious.   

The Vermont State Police have been aggressively investigating the suspicious disappearance of 33 year old Melissa Jenkins of St. Johnsbury since last evening.  At this time, the body recovered this afternoon is believed to be that of Ms. Jenkins, however a positive identification of the body will not be made until the autopsy is performed.   

The State Police have reached a critical part of the case, therefore the release of additional information will be limited as to not inhibit the investigative process. Upon completion of the autopsy, an updated press release will be issued.
 
The Vermont State Police cannot emphasize the importance of citizens coming forward with any and all information regarding this case. We especially want to hear from anyone who may have traveled along Goss Hollow Road in St. Johnsbury on Sunday evening between the hours of 7:00PM and 11:30PM and along Comerford Dam Road in the Town of Barnet.
 
If anyone has information regarding this case, please call the St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111 or submit a secure and anonymous tip.
 
###

The following information is being offered in addition to the press statement: 

The Vermont State Police cannot emphasize the importance of citizens coming forward with any and all information regarding this case. To that end, the department is offering a new avenue in submitting anonymous and encrypted tips to the Vermont State Police.

Through a partnership with CrimeReports and TipSoft, the Vermont State Police is giving Vermonters the ability to send anonymous tips to law enforcement via text message, iPhone and Android, as well as an online web form.

In Vermont, text users can send their tip to “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword VTIPS. Or users can use the online form at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1064.

To learn more about the mobile phone application for your Android or iPhone, visit www.TipSoft.com.

 

[Chris Santee]

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE ST. JOHNSBURY BARRACKS

** PRESS RELEASE **

DATE OF RELEASE: March 27, 2012     

INCIDENT: Suspicious Death
CASE #:  12B100874

INVESTIGATOR:   Det. Sgt. Walter Smith, St. Johnsbury Barracks

DATE & TIME OF INCIDENT:  March 25th, 2012 @ 2300 hours       

LOCATION:  Goss Hollow Road, St. Johnsbury 

VICTIM:     Melissa Jenkins, age 33
                   St. Johnsbury, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  The investigation into the suspicious death of Melissa Jenkins of St. Johnsbury continued throughout the night and several teams of State Police Detectives have been aggressively following up on leads and conducting numerous interviews throughout the day.  There is no additional information to provide at this time, and the State Police anticipate to release further information this afternoon or early evening in either the form of a press release or a press conference.  If a press conference is held, adequate notice will be provided and it will be held at the St. Johnsbury Academy.  The autopsy is being performed and is anticipated to take several hours. 

The Vermont State Police cannot emphasize the importance of citizens coming forward with any and all information regarding this case. We especially want to hear from anyone who may have traveled along Goss Hollow Road in St. Johnsbury on Sunday evening between the hours of 7:00PM and 11:30PM and along Comerford Dam Road in the Town of Barnet.
 
If anyone has information regarding this case, please call the St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111 or submit a secure and anonymous tip.
 
Through a partnership with CrimeReports and TipSoft, the Vermont State Police is giving Vermonters the ability to send anonymous tips to law enforcement via text message, iPhone and Android, as well as an online web form.

In Vermont, text users can send their tip to “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword VTIPS. Or users can use the online form at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1064.

To learn more about the mobile phone application for your Android or iPhone, visit www.TipSoft.com.

[Chris Santee]

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE ST. JOHNSBURY BARRACKS

** PRESS RELEASE **
DATE OF RELEASE: March 27, 2012     

INCIDENT: Homicide

CASE #:  12B100874
INVESTIGATOR:   Det. Sgt. Walter Smith, St. Johnsbury Barracks
 
DATE & TIME OF INCIDENT:  March 25th, 2012 @ 2300 hours       

LOCATION:  Goss Hollow Road, St. Johnsbury 

VICTIM:     Melissa Jenkins, age 33
                   St. Johnsbury, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has concluded the autopsy on the body that was found off Comeford Dam Road in the Town of Barnet yesterday afternoon.  The body has positively been identified as being that of Melissa Jenkins, age 33 of St. Johnsbury.  Dr. Steven Shapiro, Chief Medical Examiner has ruled the manner of death to be a homicide.  The cause of death is being withheld as to not inhibit the progress of the investigation.

In addition to numerous leads and interviews being conducted, the Vermont State Police Crime Scene Search Team returned to the scene this morning where the body was located and additional items of interest were collected.  The description of the items recovered at the scene will not be disclosed in an effort to preserve the integrity of the investigation.  The State Police anticipate securing the scene where Ms. Jenkins body was discovered through the rest of the day and possibly into tomorrow. 

Major Ed Ledo, Criminal Division Commander for the Vermont State Police states, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ms. Jenkins and our thoughts are with her family and friends.  We remain committed to solving this case and to identify and bring to justice the person or persons responsible for the death of Ms. Jenkins.”

No press conference will be held today.
 
The Vermont State Police cannot emphasize the importance of citizens coming forward with any and all information regarding this case. We especially want to hear from anyone who may have traveled along Goss Hollow Road in St. Johnsbury on Sunday evening between the hours of 7:00PM and 11:30PM and along Comerford Dam Road in the Town of Barnet.
 
If anyone has information regarding this case, please call the St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111 or submit a secure and anonymous tip.

Through a partnership with CrimeReports and TipSoft, the Vermont State Police is giving Vermonters the ability to send anonymous tips to law enforcement via text message, iPhone and Android, as well as an online web form.

In Vermont, text users can send their tip to “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword VTIPS. Or users can use the online form at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1064.

To learn more about the mobile phone application for your Android or iPhone, visit www.TipSoft.com.

[Chris Santee]

Press Conference Scheduled at 10AM, Update on Homicide of Melissa Jenkins

Detective Sergeant Walter Smith, Bureau of Criminal Investigations - 802-748-3111

St. Johnsbury, VT - 03/28/12 - The Vermont State Police will host a press conference this morning, March 28, at 10AM that will be held at the Comfort Inn, south of St. Johnsbury.

The press conference will address significant developments in the investigations.

The Comfort Inn is located at 703 US Route 5, in St. Johnsbury, VT. 

Until that time, no further details pertaining to the investigation will be released.

[Chris Santee]

This may, or may not, be related:

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Self-Inflicted Gun-shot Wound

CASE #: 12B100875
Corporal Lambert, Det. Annis, Det. Tpr. Finn     STATION: VSP St. Johnsbury               
CONTACT#: 748-3111

DATE/TIME: 03/26/12 approximately 14:30 hours,

LOCATION (specific): Old County Road at intersection of Tripp Lane - Barnet.

VICTIM: Bruce Grady (52) Bradford, VT       
                                                   
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 03/26/12 at approximately 15:00 hours, the victim was found unresponsive in his vehicle at the above location.  CALEX Ambulance responded to the scene, and the victim was pronounced deceased by an Assistant Medical Examiner.