Updated June 21, 2016 -
On June 20th, 2016 Burlington Police Detectives arrested Amber Dennis, 29 years of age, for her role in the assault which led to the death of Amos Beede. Dennis is part of the transient community in Burlington and was living in the encampment at the time of the crime. Dennis was lodged for lack of $100,000 bail and will be arraigned on one count of second degree murder in Vermont Superior Court – Chittenden Criminal Division on June 21st, 2016.
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Updated May 29, 2016
We regret to announce that on today’s date, the victim, Amos Beede (DOB 07-09-1977) succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the UVMMC. The exact cause of death will be determined after an examination by the State’s Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. The Burlington Police Department and the Chittenden County State’s Attorneys Office will be working closely as we now focus our investigation on that of a homicide.
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On 05/22/2016 at 11:07 AM Burlington Police officers were called to the scene of an apparent assault that had occurred some hours before the report. The incident location is a homeless encampment located in the area of the Barge Canal on Pine St. Officers discovered a 38 year old transgender male victim lying on the ground, the victim of apparent head trauma. The victim was transported to UVMMC where it was learned that he sustained facial fractures, a subdural hematoma, and several broken ribs. The initial prognosis suggested the victim would likely be conscious, talking and making a recovery within a short time from being admitted to the hospital. More recent consultation with physicians at UVMMC reveal that the victim remains unconscious, unable to speak, with the prospect of recovery now uncertain. The police continue to closely monitor his condition.
Detectives are following substantive leads and due to the victim's transgender status are investigating the crime as a possible bias incident. This investigation is ongoing and no conclusions have been drawn in this regard. Anyone with information about the assault asked to call city police or Champlain Valley Crime Stoppers at (802) 864-6666.
To see the original press release please visit our webpage at www.burlingtonvt.gov/police/press
