On a Friday afternoon in Swanton, Vermont, a dispute between two acquaintances escalated into a fatal encounter. Kyle A. LaBelle, a 32-year-old White / Caucasian male, was walking on 2nd Street near Greenwich Street on June 5, 2020, when he was involved in an argument with another man. The disagreement reportedly began when LaBelle told the other man, James Mulholland, that he could not pet his dog.
The argument quickly intensified, and Mulholland is said to have drawn a handgun and fired multiple times at close range, striking LaBelle in the chest and stomach. The incident, which occurred shortly before 3 p.m., was captured on video by at least one bystander as well as a nearby surveillance system.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and LaBelle was transported by ambulance to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. He underwent surgery for his injuries but ultimately succumbed to the wounds and passed away overnight. LaBelle was remembered as a hard-working and fun-loving father, son, and brother who, despite a sometimes gruff exterior, would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. A licensed plumber by trade, he was a dedicated provider for his three young daughters.
Swanton police responded to the scene of the shooting immediately and took the suspect, 22-year-old James Mulholland of Swanton, into custody without delay. Following LaBelle's death, Mulholland was charged with first-degree murder and ordered to be jailed without bail. The investigation was led by the Swanton Police Department with assistance from the Vermont State Police.
