WILLISTON, Vt. (AP) – Williston and Vermont State Police are investigating a shooting early Sunday in Williston that left two people dead, including the alleged shooter.

Police say Michael Putnam, 55, of Waterbury, the estranged husband of a woman who lived at the home, forcefully entered the home and confronted Gary Smith, 59, of Shelburne. Investigators say Putnam shot Smith and then turned the handgun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide.

Police responded at about 12:30 a.m. to reports of shots fired at a home on Isham Circle. Several homes in the area were evacuated, while officers from Williston, Essex, South Burlington, Richmond and the Vermont State Police secured the area and searched the home.

Police say there’s no reason for anyone to be concerned about continuing danger in the area.


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