Two people killed by Vermont school shooter

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Thursday August 24, 2006

Washington- A gunman who shot a teacher at a Vermont elementary school killed two people and wounded at least three others including himself, police told the Burlington Free Press newspaper Thursday afternoon. A teacher was killed at Essex Elementary School in Essex, Vermont, state Public Safety Commissioner Kerry Sleeper told the newspaper.

The shooting spree started earlier Thursday, with one person slain at a home in Essex, population 19,000, outside Burlington, Vermont, police said. The gunman then went to the school and fled to another local home. Another person was wounded there, possibly the gunman, who reportedly shot himself.

Police did not comment on the extent of the gunman's wounds. They said the man acted alone, though initial reports had said there may have been two gunmen.

Students have not yet returned to school for the academic year, but about 30 staff members were in the building at the time of the shooting.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur