By Layla Burke Hastings
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
WEATHERSFIELD, Vt. — The Vermont State Police investigation into the death of Tonia Bushway continues after autopsy results reveal that the cause and manner of death could not be determined.
Vermont State Police issued a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 8, updating the public that the agency’s investigation into the death of Tonia Bushway remains “active and ongoing.”
Bushway, who went missing in early July, was originally handled as a missing persons case led by the Weathersfield Police Department.
The missing person’s investigation abruptly turned into a cause of death investigation on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 6, when personnel with the New England K-9 — whose assistance, along with the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, was requested by the Wethersfield Police Department — located human remains at 9:45 a.m. on a parcel of land adjacent to Bushway’s property.
The Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Crime Scene Search Team then responded and worked throughout the day to reassemble the scene and process the area.
The remains of Bushway were brought to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington to determine cause and manner of death and confirm identity.
The Chief Medical Examiner determined on Monday, Nov. 1, that the remains were that of Tonia Bushway. However, cause of death still remains inconclusive although the medical examiner noted there were no apparent injuries.
Friends and family of Bushway have erected a Christmas tree in her honor on the property.
The Vermont State Police is leading the death investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Trooper Zachary Gauthier at the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600. Tips may be submitted online anonymously at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.