On October 14, 2018, the body of 37-year-old Michael Pimental, a Caucasian male, was discovered by a property owner along the wooded edge of a driveway in Concord, Vermont. An autopsy later confirmed that Pimental had died from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide. Investigators with the Vermont State Police quickly determined the incident was isolated and not a random act of violence.
The investigation into Pimental's death soon revealed a connection to drug
trafficking in the area. Court documents indicated that Pimental and his girlfriend, Krystal Whitcomb, were involved in distributing heroin from their residence in Waterford, Vermont. As the investigation progressed, law enforcement identified Whitcomb and two acquaintances, Michael Hayes and John Welch, as suspects in Pimental's murder. Federal prosecutors alleged that the three had conspired to kill Pimental in connection with their drug trafficking activities.
According to court filings, John Welch was the individual who shot Pimental on October 13, 2018. The day after Pimental's body was found, Whitcomb and Hayes were stopped by police in New Hampshire while driving a car registered to Pimental. A search of the vehicle uncovered firearms, a large quantity of drugs, and U.S. currency. Pimental's blood was also discovered in the trunk of the car.
Ultimately, a federal grand jury indicted Krystal Whitcomb, Michael Hayes, and John Welch on charges that included using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, causing the death of Michael Pimental. Another individual, Michael Ashford, was also charged in connection with the drug conspiracy. Krystal Whitcomb and Michael Hayes eventually pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the case.
