Man Dies After Beating by Juveniles near Burlington City Hall

By Michael Donoghue - Vermont News First

A case of a man viciously attacked by a group of juveniles near Burlington City Hall last week has turned into a homicide, Vermont News First learned this afternoon.

The name of the dead victim has not been released, but he died over the weekend, Vermont News First was told.

Interim Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke confirmed this afternoon that the beating victim from last week had died.

“It is an active investigation,” Burke said.

Burlington Police said it had officers on foot patrol on Church Street about 1:30 p.m. Monday Aug. 11 when they came across the assault in progress with the injured man.

The three juveniles fled on foot and by bicycle, but the officers were able to chase down the suspects, Lt. Mike Henry said.

The three youths, believed to be roughly 14 to 16 years old, are facing proceedings in Vermont Family Court. Those proceedings are confidential and have very limited consequences due to the lack of rehabilitation services for youthful offenders within Vermont.

One suspect carried a gun, and police determined it was displayed while they attacked the victim, Henry reported. He said additional arrests were anticipated.

The victim was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center for treatment of critical injuries. His condition went downhill in recent days.

Burke said his department has been working closely with the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office on the case.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call Burlington Police at (802) 658-2700.