Vermont man charged with murder of elderly roommate in alleged "mercy killing"

WHITINGHAM, VT (WWLP) - A man from Whitingham, Vermont, was arrested on Tuesday after a report of a possible homicide that had occurred in February.

In a news release from the Vermont State Police, an individual arrived at the Rutland Barracks and reported having information about a possible homicide that had occurred in February at a home near the intersection of Vermont Route 100 and Corse Road.

An investigation was conducted, and evidence indicated that 75-year-old Robert J. Francis was shot and killed. His roommate, 30-year-old Justin Stacy was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and providing false information to a police officer.

22News sister station, ABC22/FOX44 in Vermont, states that court documents show that Stacy allegedly told a family member that the deadly shooting was a “mercy killing.” The family member said they came forward because Stacy had exhibited erratic behavior, including firing a muzzleloader outside the house.

Stacy was arraigned in Vermont Superior Court in Brattleboro on Wednesday and is being held without the right to bail.