Autopsy reveals stabbing as cause of death in Newport Town incident

NEWPORT –– The Vermont State Police continues its investigation into a fatal incident that occurred at a Newport residence on Monday afternoon.

An autopsy performed today identified the deceased as 58-year-old Donald Coull, a resident of 107 Lawson Road, the location of the incident. The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest. A ruling on the manner of death is pending further investigation and toxicology tests, which could take several weeks to months.

Trevor Stone, 39, also a resident of the property, living in a camper, was injured in the incident. He was treated at North Country Hospital for a laceration/stab wound and subsequently released.

The initial investigation by the VSP, which began after a report of the altercation at about 3:15 p.m. on Monday, suggests this was an isolated incident contained to this address and involving individuals known to each other. It is not believed to be connected to any other cases.

Detectives have spoken to individuals connected to the incident, all of whom have been cooperative. No arrests have been made at this time.

The ongoing investigation includes efforts by members of the VSP Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Field Force Division, Crime Scene Search Team, and Victim Services Unit. The Crime Scene Search Team processed the scene on Monday.

The state police urge anyone with information that could assist investigators to call the Vermont State Police in Derby at 802-334-8881.