Vermont State Police closes investigation into Gunnar Watson’s murder in October

BHEELOCK, Vermont (Tuesday, July 2, 2024) – Vermont State Police have identified the perpetrator who shot and killed 27-year-old Gunnar Watson in Wheelock on October 16, 2023. However, no charges will be filed as a result of the perpetrator’s death.

An extensive investigation determined that Gary Larocque, 40, of Brownington fired the rifle shot that killed Watson as he stood in the doorway of his Wheelock home around 5:50 a.m. on Oct. 16. Investigators recovered several .223-caliber shell casings from Larocque’s Brownington residence that the Vermont Forensic Laboratory was able to determine were fired from the same gun as the shell casing found at the murder scene. In addition, investigators obtained digital location data that placed Larocque at the location from which investigators determined the fatal shot was fired.

During the eight-month investigation, investigators conducted numerous interviews and executed several search warrants. Watson and Larocque were co-workers and had known each other for several years.

State police worked closely with the Caledonia County District Attorney’s Office on this case. District Attorney Jessica Zaleski reviewed the investigation and concluded that Larocque would have been charged with first-degree murder had he not died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside his home on October 31, 2023.

This case is now closed and no further information is available.