In the autumn of 2023, the life of 40-year-old Gary E. Larocque of Brownington, Vermont, came to a sudden end. On October 30, 2023, he passed away at his home. Born on April 3, 1983, in Newport, Vermont, Larocque was a man who loved the outdoors, a passion that led him to a career as an arborist and foreman. He was known as a loyal and genuine friend, always ready to help someone in need.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed four-wheeling, target shooting, and building model ships.
However, Larocque's death was intertwined with another recent tragedy. Authorities identified him as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Gunnar Watson in Wheelock on October 16, 2023. Watson, a co-worker of Larocque's, was shot and killed in the doorway of his home in the early morning hours. The investigation into Watson's death led state police to Larocque's residence several days later.
Following an extensive eight-month investigation into Watson's homicide, which included numerous interviews and the execution of multiple search warrants, authorities uncovered evidence linking Larocque to the crime. Digital location data placed Larocque at the scene of the shooting, and. 223-caliber cartridge casings found at his home were determined to have been fired from the same weapon as a casing found at the homicide scene.
On October 31, 2023, Gary Larocque died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside his home. The Caledonia County State's Attorney reviewed the investigation into Gunnar Watson's death and determined that a charge of first-degree murder would have been filed against Larocque. Due to his death, the case against him is now considered closed.
