Vermont Business Magazine Murder suspect Jody Herring pleaded not guilty Monday at the Vermont Superior Court, Washington Criminal Division, in the killing of Vermont state social worker Lara Sobel in Barre. According to Vermont State Police reports, Sobel was killed shortly before 5 pm behind City Place. Herring is also connected to three more deaths in Berlin, for which she has yet to be charged.
On Saturday at approximately8:02 am, the Berlin Police Department responded to a 911 call at 3168 Airport Road in the town of Berlin. The female caller reportedly discovered three deceased adult females inside the residence. Upon arrival, a Berlin Police Officer entered the residence and confirmed the presence of three deceased adult females. Initial observations by police indicated shell casings at the scene and apparent gunshot wounds on at least two of the victims.
Berlin Police Chief William Wolfe requested assistance from the Vermont State Police. Detectives with the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Major Crime Unit responded to initiate an investigation. The VSP Crime Scene Search Team and Mobile Command Post was activated.
On Sunday, August 9, the State Medical Examiner positively identified the three victims in the Berlin multiple homicide case. The victims identified are Regina Herring (43), Julie Falzarano (73), and Rhonda Herring (48), all of Berlin, Vermont.
Jody Herring. VSP photo.
Initial investigation has revealed that Jody Herring, who was arrested Friday for the murder of DCF worker Lara Sobel in Barre City, is related to all three victims found in Berlin Saturday morning. VSP detectives continue to work closely with officers from Barre City and Berlin police departments.
Governor Shumlin said in a statement Saturday: “The Vermont State Police are working collaboratively with the Barre and Berlin police and the investigation remains ongoing. Vermonters should know that there is no indication of a broader threat at this time to state employees or the general public. The tragedy that has gripped our state over the past 20 hours is immense. In the coming days we will need to pull together as a state to come to terms with these heinous events. My heart goes out to all the families, friends, and loved ones who have been affected by these tragedies.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders also said Saturday:“Today is tragic day for Vermont. In the past 24 hours, a public servant was murdered and three other Vermonters were killed in circumstances that are not yet clear. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and friends. As is always the case, I know Vermonters will rally together in the aftermath of this horrible tragedy because that is what we do in a crisis. I have contacted Gov. Shumlin and I am confident there will be a full investigation into what happened and why.”
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott said: "This is an incredibly difficult day as we try to comprehend the loss of one of our state employees in what appears to be a senseless act of violence. Lara Sobel spent her life helping others. Today, her life was stolen – not only from her – but from her children, her spouse, her family, her friends, her coworkers, as well as the countless children and families she helped and had yet to help. While we mourn and wait patiently for answers, we should feel fortunate to have such dedicated public servants as Lara in Vermont, and we must continue to strive to protect those who give so much to protect others."
This case is in the early stages of investigation, the VSP said,to include exploring the connection with the homicide that occurred in Barre City Friday afternoon.
The bodies of the deceased will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy to determine cause and manner of death in conjunction with the processing of the crime scene.
No other details are available at this time, as this is an active and on-going investigation. Detectives are working in coordination with the Attorney General's Office and the Washington County State's Attorney.
On August 07, 2015 at approximately 1645 hours, Barre City Police responded to a report of a shooting behind City Place on Main Street in Barre, VT. Upon arriving at the scene officer's found that the victim, Lara Sobel, had been shot and was deceased outside at the back of the building near the South side of the building. The suspect later identified as Jody Herring, age 40, of Barre Town, VT had been apprehended by several bystanders/witnesses. The suspect, Herring, had been identified by multiple witnesses as the person responsible for shooting the victim, Lara Sobel, twice. Herring was taken into custody by police and transported to the Barre City Police Department.
Jody Herring has been charged with first degree homicide and has been ordered held with bail pending arraignment in Washington County Court. The investigation is ongoing.
Barre City Police have been assisted by the Vermont State Police and Montpelier Police with the ongoing investigation of this crime.