UPDATE 5 p.m.: Store manager shot, killed at Brattleboro Co-op

Posted Tuesday, August 9, 2011 3:30 pm

According to police, at around 8:15 a.m., 59-year-old Richard E. Gagnon of Marlboro walked into the Co-op and shot and killed Michael Martin, 59, of Dummerston. A press release from the Brattleboro Town Office stated that the two had been co-workers at the Co-op.

According to sources, Martin is the store manager, and Gagnon worked in the wine department.

"Currently, the Brattleboro Police Department and the Vermont State Police are continuing this investigation," Brattleboro Police Chief Gene Wrinn said.

Police also said that Gagnon is in custody.

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The Co-op was surrounded by police caution tape Tuesday morning, with at least 20 officers on site investigating the scene. The Main Street and Flat Street entrances to the Co-op parking lot have been closed off. The store was closed Tuesday, and store manager Alex Gyori confirmed that the store will remained closed Wednesday and that they would try to open on Thursday. Gyori also said a vigil will be held at the Whetstone Bridge at 6 p.m. Wednesday night.

Officials from the Vermont State Police, Brattleboro Police Department and Brattleboro Fire Department responded to the scene, as well as Rescue, Inc. Representatives from the Windham County State's Attorney's office and other agencies are also involved in the investigation.

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A State Police mobile crime unit was requested, and representatives from the State's Attorney's office were called to the scene.

"The town of Brattleboro has again experienced a tragic death," Town Manager Barb Sondag stated in a press release. "There are many victims today -- it is a very sad day."

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Sondag also stated that plans were already under way for a community event.

"Let us come together and grieve ... I have reached out to the Interfaith Council and they are actively working on organizing something for our community. As plans are made, detailed information will be provided."

Though the store will remain closed until Thursday, construction on the new co-op building in the same lot will continue as scheduled.

Read more in Wednesday's Reformer.