The Vermont State Police have concluded their eight-month investigation into the October 2023 murder of Gunnar Watson in Wheelock, Vermont. The investigation revealed that Watson, 27, was fatally shot in the doorway of his home by a co-worker, Gary Larocque, 40, of Brownington. Larocque later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, precluding criminal charges. This in-depth analysis delves into the case, examining the evidence, investigative process, and the tragic conclusion reached by authorities.
Unraveling the Tragic Events in Wheelock
On October 16, 2023, at approximately 5:50 a.m., Gunnar Watson was fatally shot in his Wheelock residence. The initial reports indicated a shooting incident, prompting a swift response from the Vermont State Police. The subsequent autopsy confirmed Watson’s death was caused by a gunshot wound to the torso, officially classifying the incident as a homicide.
Vermont State Police investigate a crime scene.
The Investigative Process: Piecing Together the Puzzle
The Vermont State Police launched an extensive investigation into Watson’s death, meticulously gathering evidence and pursuing leads. This comprehensive effort involved:
- Crime Scene Analysis: Processing the scene for physical evidence, including ballistic analysis of recovered cartridge casings.
- Witness Interviews: Conducting numerous interviews with individuals who may have had information relevant to the case. This likely included family, friends, neighbors, and other associates of both Watson and Larocque.
- Digital Forensics: Examining digital location data and potentially other electronic communications to establish timelines and connections between individuals involved.
- Search Warrants: Executing search warrants to gather potential evidence at relevant locations, including Larocque’s residence.
Key Evidence Linking Larocque to the Crime
The investigation uncovered compelling evidence linking Gary Larocque to the murder of Gunnar Watson:
- Ballistic Matching: .223-caliber cartridge casings found at Larocque’s residence were confirmed by the Vermont Forensic Laboratory to have been fired from the same weapon as the casing recovered at the homicide scene. This provided a crucial link between Larocque and the murder weapon.
- Digital Location Data: Investigators obtained digital location data placing Larocque at the precise location from which the fatal shot was fired. This data likely came from cell phone records or GPS tracking, solidifying Larocque’s presence at the scene.
- Relationship Between Victim and Suspect: The investigation established that Watson and Larocque were co-workers with a history spanning several years. This connection provided a potential motive for the crime, though the specific reason remains undisclosed.
The Prosecutor’s Decision and a Case Closed
Based on the comprehensive evidence gathered by the Vermont State Police, Caledonia County State’s Attorney Jessica Zaleski concluded that she would have filed first-degree murder charges against Gary Larocque if he were still alive. This determination underscores the strength of the evidence pointing to Larocque’s guilt. However, Larocque’s death by suicide on October 31, 2023, effectively closed the case, leaving the community without the closure a trial might have provided.
A Community Left with Questions: The Unanswered Why
While the investigation successfully identified the perpetrator, the motive behind the killing remains unknown. The absence of a clear explanation leaves lingering questions for Watson’s family and the community. Was the crime a result of a workplace dispute, a personal conflict, or something else entirely? The lack of a definitive answer underscores the tragic complexity of this case.
Remembering Gunnar Watson: A Life Cut Short
Gunnar Watson was a young man with a promising future. He served as a foreman at Lucas Tree Experts and was a team leader in the Vermont Army National Guard. His untimely death leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him, a testament to the devastating consequences of violence. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking help for those struggling with anger, conflict resolution, and mental health issues.
Conclusion: Justice Unreached, but Answers Found
The Wheelock homicide investigation, though concluding without a trial, provides a clear picture of the events that led to Gunnar Watson’s death. The Vermont State Police’s meticulous work, coupled with forensic evidence and digital data, definitively identified Gary Larocque as the perpetrator. While the motive remains a mystery, the investigation brought a degree of closure to the case, confirming that the person responsible for this tragic act will never harm another individual. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigative techniques in solving complex criminal cases, even in the face of a suspect’s death.
