Crime
45-year-old Michael Liberta accused of making threats to Troy Elementary School in Vermont
Troy, Vermont – Vermont State Police have released the name of the individual who made threatening statements against personnel at Troy Elementary School, resulting in two school lockdowns.
Michael Liberta, 45, of Troy, is accused of calling the school on September 12 and making life-threatening statements directed at staff members and others.
While Liberta did not physically enter the school grounds that day, the superintendent deemed the threats serious enough to initiate a lockdown and maintain a police presence on-site.
It was revealed that Liberta had also been involved in a previous incident on September 4, which led to a school lockdown. On that occasion, he arrived at the school in an agitated state due to an issue involving his child.
Liberta now faces a charge of disturbing the peace by electronic communication and is scheduled to appear in court on October 15.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.