NEWPORT –– New details have emerged as a 23-year-old man faces second-degree murder charges in a double homicide that shook Orleans County on Tuesday. Authorities are considering upgrading the charges to first-degree murder.
Cirell Brown, of Orleans, was arrested following a violent incident at a residence on Water Street. The Vermont State Police identified the victims as Paula Broe, 61, and Steven Luisi, 65, both residents of Apartment B at 22 Water Street.
According to a witness’s 911 call, a man was seen assaulting someone with a baseball bat. When Vermont State Trooper Antony Rice arrived at the scene, he discovered the victims unresponsive at the entrance of their apartment, surrounded by what appeared to be blood. Nearby were a broken baseball bat and a knife.
Police apprehended Brown inside the residence, where he was allegedly standing over the bodies with a knife. He initially resisted arrest but was eventually taken into custody.
A witness reported to the police that she saw Brown wielding a baseball bat and repeatedly making downward striking motions.
The relationship between Brown and the victims was long-standing, as indicated by the victims’ daughter. She expressed previous concerns about Brown’s mental health.
Brown, who has denied the allegations, is currently held for an inpatient evaluation. If convicted of the current charges, he faces life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 20 years.
The investigation continues as autopsies scheduled for today are expected to shed more light on the circumstances of the deaths. Authorities have assured the public that the incident appears to be isolated, and with Brown in custody, there is no further threat to community safety.
