Double homicide investigation continues in Orleans, victims identified

ORLEANS — The investigation into the apparent double homicide that occurred Tuesday, March 12, in Orleans remains active and ongoing.

The victims have been identified as Paula Broe, 61, and Steven Luisi, 65, based on witness statements and preliminary evidence.

Broe and Luisi were residents of Apartment B at 22 Water Street, where their bodies were discovered. Autopsies are scheduled for Thursday at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington to confirm their identities and determine the cause and manner of their deaths.

On Wednesday, the Vermont State Police Crime Scene Search Team processed the apartment house at 22 Water Street, while detectives conducted follow-up investigations throughout the day. The Victim Services Unit is providing assistance and support to the family members of the deceased.

Cirell Brown, 23, of Orleans, the suspect in the deaths who was found at the scene and taken into custody by the first arriving state trooper, was arraigned Wednesday on two counts of second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered jailed without bail.

The court also ordered Brown to undergo an inpatient psychiatric evaluation.