Man Charged in Gardner-Quinn Murder

The main suspect in the murder of University of Vermont student Michelle Gardner-Quinn, who disappeared Oct. 7 after spending a night out with friends, has now been officially charged with aggravated homicide. Brian L. Rooney, who was arrested on unrelated charges shortly after Gardner-Quinn's body was discovered, was the man seen on a jewelry store video camera walking with the 21-year-old student around 2 a.m.

According to court papers filed with the affidavit against Rooney, semen found on Michelle Gardner-Quinn's body matched DNA from a blood stain on Rooney's pants. Her hair, skin and fingerprints were found in his Jeep. Rooney denied having anything to do with her disappearance when first interviewed by police.

Autopsy reports said Gardner-Quinn died from strangulation and blunt force trauma. In Vermont, the charge of aggravated homicide means that the murder was committed during a sexual assault or attempted assault.

Rooney, 36, a construction worker and father of three children, has been held on unrelated sexual charges from three different counties that were developed during the investigation into Gardner-Quinn's disappearance.

See Also:
Suspect in Vermont Student Slaying Charged
Suspect Charged in Vt. Student's Death

Earlier Articles:
Missing Vermont Student's Body Found
Vermont Student Disappears While Walking Home

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