By Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First,
This report appeared first in the Feb. 7 Caledonian-Record
TROY – At least three people have been arrested on drug-related charges in connection with the investigation into the fatal shooting of an Orleans County woman, whose body was found in Troy on Tuesday, officials said.
Investigation showed Kayla Wright, 29, of Derby, was shot multiple times, and at least one shot struck her in the head, killing her.
The death was ruled a homicide by the office of the Vermont’s Chief Medical Examiner on Wednesday afternoon, Vermont State Police said.
Jakiy Tramaine-Corey Keith, 24, will appear in U.S. District Court in Burlington for an initial hearing at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, records show.
He was lodged at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans about 6:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Thomas P. Rooney, 34, of Troy, was lodged at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans about 2:50 p.m., but it was unclear when he would appear in court.
Bryanna F. Rooney, 29, of Troy, was lodged at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington about 3:30 p.m., but no record indicated when she would appear in court.
Wright, who comes from a well-known local family, had last been seen in Troy early Friday, state police said.
State police received a call about 1 p.m. Tuesday from a member of the public who reported having discovered a possible human body inside a large container on a sand bar in the Missisquoi River. It was in the area of Big Falls of Missisquoi State Park on River Road, police said.
The investigation into the suspicious death continued through the night after the body was found. Investigators conducted interviews with people who might have relevant information.
Multiple law enforcement agencies later executed a court-ordered search warrant on Wednesday at a home on Vermont 100 in Troy, where the Rooneys have been living.
State police said they were looking for evidence that could be connected to the homicide.
VSP said Wednesday evening it did not have anybody in custody on homicide charges, but the Department of Corrections reported at least three were jailed from Troy on Wednesday.
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations is the lead investigative agency in the drug case with primary assistance from the Vermont Drug Task Force and Vermont State Police.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Newport City Police also have been providing help.
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