In the quiet town of Newfane, Vermont, the long life of 88-year-old Helen Prescott came to a tragic end on October 25, 2024. Relatives discovered her body, alongside that of her 91-year-old husband, Blake Prescott, in their home on South Wardsboro Road late that Friday afternoon. First responders were called to the scene shortly after 5 p.m. and confirmed the deaths of the elderly couple.
The Vermont State Police immediately began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the
deaths. The Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Burlington conducted autopsies and determined that Helen Prescott's death was a homicide resulting from gunshot wounds to her torso. Her husband, Blake Prescott, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, and his death was ruled a suicide.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Prescott family released a statement through the Vermont State Police, offering a glimpse into the couple's final wishes. They described Blake and Helen as a devoted couple of over 70 years who had been experiencing "precipitously declining health." The family stated that the couple "chose to die together as they'd lived together," indicating a mutual decision to end their lives. The investigation concluded that this was an isolated incident, and there was no threat to the public. No arrests were made as the sole individual involved in Helen Prescott's death was also deceased.
