A southern Vermont woman is expected in court in Brattleboro Thursday to face two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting deaths of her former partner and his son.
Late Tuesday, Robin O'Neill, 62, of Townshend, allegedly shot Steve Lott, 60, in the home they shared. Jamis Lott, 28, was visiting, and was also shot to death, Vermont State Police said.
"This is just shocking," said Laura Smith, a friend of the Lotts.
Smith told New England Cable News that O'Neill and Steve Lott had been engaged. Police said their relationship of one year had recently ended.
Smith expected to have the couple as guests at her home for Thanksgiving. "They usually come every year; good friends," Smith said. "And we know the kids real well. So I just don't know to respond to it yet."
Several people in Townshend told NECN Steve Lott was very well known around town, because he used to own a furniture store. He had been working as a lister, doing assessments on properties for tax purposes, Smith added.
Midday Wednesday, crime scene investigators were still examining the Abby Road property for evidence, before the state police crime lab left the heavily-wooded area.
Vermont
The latest news from around the state
"We believe this is an isolated incident at this time," said Maj. Glenn Hall of the Vermont State Police. "We have no information to believe that there was anyone else involved other than the deceased and the woman who is in custody right now."
Hall said members of the Vermont State Police were still piecing together what led up to the shootings. A police press release issued late in the day Wednesday said Robin O'Neill would be in a Brattleboro courtroom Thursday afternoon to face the second-degree murder charges.
