Vigil planned for slain Vermont social worker; suspect also accused in deaths

Shumlin’s remarks came after the bodies of three others – sisters Rhonda Herring and Regina Herring, and their mother, Julie Ann Falzarano – were found dead in their Berlin home earlier Saturday. Sobel was fatally shot on Friday outside a building in Barre.

Lara Sobel was shot twice and killed outside an office of the state Department for Children and Families in Barre as she was leaving work Friday, authorities say. It wasn’t clear if she had a lawyer who might touch upon her behalf.

“I feel all Vermonters are as shocked, dismayed, horrified and grief-stricken as all of us are”, Shumlin stated. The governor added that he was unable to remember a similar murder in his entire lifetime, especially by the same perpetrator. Autopsies will be conducted.

“(Sobel) dedicated her life to Vermont’s most vulnerable children and to strengthening their chance of success”, Shumlin said Sunday in a press release. Officials said after Sobel’s shooting that the girl remained in state custody.

Authorities hinted the list of charges could grow, when they confirmed Saturday afternoon they are actively “exploring the connection” between the fatal shooting in Barre and the unwitnessed triple homicide in Berlin. Police said they found shell casings in the home, and two of the victims appear to have been shot.

Friends of Sobel said she had been a very experienced social worker with over 14 years of providing public service for families and children.

Bombardier said the weapon used to kill Sobel was a hunting rifle, but he would not reveal the caliber or additional details about it. He also would not comment on whether Jody Herring had obtained the gun legitimately or what may have triggered her to act Friday – weeks after losing custody of her daughter.

Sobel’s family released a statement on Saturday thanking the community for its kindness during their ordeal and asked others to respect their privacy. The household stated it hopes that the tragedy “can create consciousness of the devoted professionals who dedicate a lot of their power to making sure the welfare of youngsters”.

Lt. Gov. Phil Scott said he knew several members of the extended Herring family.

He said it was his understanding following conversations with relatives that Herring’s father had been one of 16 siblings in a very large family.

Authorities say Sobel had handled a case for the state Department for Children and Families in which Herring’s 9-year-old daughter was removed from the home.

Social workers have bravely entered into the worst of homes, all in the interest of an abused child, often without protection from the local law enforcement, said Campbell.

A woman from Vermont who has been charged in the death of a social worker is also the main suspect in the deaths of three relatives whose bodies authorities located on Saturday, said Peter Shumlin the Governor.

A special legislative committee was set up to investigate the department system after the deaths last year of two toddlers who had been involved with DCF, 2-year-old Dezirae Sheldon, of Poultney, and 15-month-old Peighton Geraw, of Winooski.