POWNAL – Three suspects have been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting that occurred on January 26, 2022, at a home in Pownal.
According to the Vermont State Police, troopers responded to Route 7 in Pownal at around 9:30 p.m. that day after receiving two calls reporting an unknown man knocking on their doors and asking for help.
When troopers arrived at the scene, they found a man with possible cold-related injuries.
He was later identified as Luis Baez, 38, of Springfield, Massachusetts.
During the investigation, troopers learned that several gunshots were heard in the area and that there was significant damage at the residence.
It was clear, based on the evidence, that a shooting had occurred, police say.
About one week after the shooting in Pownal, the Vermont State Police began investigating a homicide in Danby.
The homicide victim, 17-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez, was confirmed to be involved in the Pownal incident.
After a lengthy investigation, arrest warrants were filed for the following individuals:
Luis Baez, 38, of Springfield, Massachusetts
Odalys Velez Perez, 21, of Springfield, Massachusetts
Giovanni Torres, 21, of Holyoke, Massachusetts
Each of the individuals was charged with attempted murder for their involvement in the Pownal shooting incident.
Twelve individuals were identified as participants in the shooting incident, and additional charges are pending, police say.
Torres turned himself in at the Bennington County criminal court on Tuesday, March 21.
He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail.
The whereabouts of Velez Perez and Baez are unknown at this time.
The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigations worked on this case along with the Vermont Drug Task Force, Bennington Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators in this case is asked to call the Vermont State Police in Shaftsbury at 802-442-5421.
