In the rolling hills of southern Vermont, a chilling mystery has gripped the small towns of Bennington and Londonderry. What began as a frantic report of a woman dropped off at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center with a suspected gunshot wound has spiraled into a complex investigation, revealing a tale of trauma, uncertainty, and a desperate search for answers.
On Friday, August 22, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., chaos erupted at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. A woman, grievously injured, was rushed to the emergency room, her condition so dire that initial reports suggested a gunshot wound to the head. The hospital was swiftly locked down as Bennington Police descended on the scene, securing the premises and detaining a person of interest. The community held its breath, fearing the worst in a region unaccustomed to such violence. But as the hours unfolded, the narrative shifted, and a darker, more perplexing story began to emerge.
By Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Vermont State Police, who had taken over the investigation, released startling new details. The victim was identified as Angelica Barbour, a 31-year-old resident of Brattleboro, a vibrant town known for its artistic community and picturesque landscapes. An autopsy conducted at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington revealed a shocking twist: Barbour had not been shot. Instead, her life was tragically ended by blunt force trauma to the head and neck. The manner of her death—whether homicide, accident, or something else—remains officially “pending,” leaving investigators and the public grappling with more questions than answers.
The Vermont State Police have pinpointed the location of the incident to a home on Vermont Route 11, near the intersection with Mansfield Lane in the serene Windham County town of Londonderry. This rural stretch, flanked by lush greenery and quiet homes, became the focal point of a meticulous investigation. Troopers from the Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division, and Victim Services Unit descended on the scene, combing through evidence to unravel the circumstances of Barbour’s fatal injuries. Route 11, briefly closed during the initial response, has since reopened, but the shadow of the tragedy lingers.
Adding to the enigma, the individual initially detained by Bennington Police in connection with the case has been released, with no arrests made as of the latest updates. This development has only deepened the mystery, leaving investigators to piece together a puzzle with few clear leads. The Vermont State Police are now turning to the public for help, urging anyone with information to come forward. They’ve provided a dedicated line at the Westminster Barracks—802-722-4600—and an option for anonymous tips at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could be the key to unlocking the truth.
Angelica Barbour’s death has cast a somber pall over southern Vermont, a region where such incidents are rare and deeply felt. As detectives work tirelessly to uncover what happened in those fateful moments on Route 11, the community waits, hoping for clarity and justice for a life cut short under such mysterious circumstances. The investigation continues, with the Vermont State Police promising updates as new information comes to light. For now, the story of Angelica Barbour remains an open wound, a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring quest for truth.