In the early morning hours of February 2, 2022, the quiet town of Swanton, Vermont, was unsettled by a discovery that would unravel a story of rivalry and violence. Inside a residence at 45 First Street, 22-year-old Elijah Oliver, a male from Haverhill, Massachusetts, was found deceased. An autopsy would later confirm that he had died from gunshot wounds, and his death was officially ruled a homicide.
The initial investigation by the Vermont State Police suggested that the incident was not a random act of violence, setting the stage for a deeper probe into the circumstances that led to the young man's untimely end.
As investigators delved into Elijah Oliver's background, a picture of a life entangled in the dangerous world of drug distribution began to emerge. Oliver, identified as a member of the Gangsta Disciples gang, was involved in selling drugs in the Swanton area. His activities had placed him in direct competition with an established local drug network. This rival operation was headed by Dominique Troupe, 36, of Colchester, who, along with his associates, viewed Oliver as a threat to their illicit business. The escalating tension over drug territory would ultimately culminate in a fatal confrontation.
The investigation revealed a conspiracy orchestrated by Troupe to eliminate his rival. Along with Eric Raymond, 32, and Misti-Lynn Morin, 43, Troupe planned to rob Oliver of drugs and money. In the execution of this plan, Oliver was shot and killed. The subsequent investigation led to the arrests of those involved. In May 2024, a federal jury convicted Dominique Troupe on multiple charges related to the drug conspiracy and the events that led to Oliver's death. Eric Raymond and Misti-Lynn Morin also faced charges, with both pleading guilty for their roles in the criminal enterprise. Raymond was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Morin was placed on federal probation for five years. The resolution of the case brought to light the violent consequences of the drug turf war that had claimed the life of Elijah Oliver.
