​State’s Attorney DiSabito reacts to Alburgh shooting and aftermath

Doug DiSabito, Grand Isle State's Attorney.

By ISLANDER STAFF
NORTH HERO -- Grand Isle County State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito said Tuesday that the triple shooting leaving two dead and one seriously wounded in Alburgh was pointless.
“This was a senseless shooting of two people after a brief, petty dispute over hunting rights on a certain parcel of land,” DiSabito told The Islander.  The shooting is the first reported homicide case in Grand Isle County since DiSabito was sworn in as its chief prosecutor in February 2015.
DiSabito responded to the scene shortly after the shooting late Saturday night and has continued to work with state police.
He said he is shocked that people are turning more to firearms to settle disputes.
“Shortly after this tragic event occurred, there was a reported road rage incident in Chittenden County where shots were allegedly fired.  And then there was the murder suicide in Lamoille County after that.  All senseless and heartbreaking.  People must keep their tempers in check, and not resort to such devastating violence,” he said.
“Where is all this hatred originating from in our society?  It has no place in our communities,” DiSabito said in his email.
“On a related note, I am incredibly disappointed by the various posts and comments on social media—people are spewing hatred at each other, providing misinformation, disparaging law enforcement, criticizing press releases, and so on.  It is so incredibly divisive and serves absolutely no legitimate purpose.  It just perpetuates more hatred and division, at a time when we should be providing kind words and consolation to the families and friends affected by this tragedy,” he said.
DiSabito reported his office is continuing to work with Vermont State Police, its Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Vermont’s Chief Medical Examiner “with the goal of completing this investigation and finding out every fact that led up to the death of two Islanders.”
He wrapped up his comments: “I extend both my sincere appreciation for all the first responders and law enforcement officers who responded to the scene, and my heartfelt condolences to all the families and friends of the deceased.”

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