Lake Region graduate shot to death in Barre

BARRE – A 29-year-old graduate of Lake Region Union High School was allegedly shot to death by her ex-boyfriend, who then took his own life in Barre on Wednesday.

According to Barre police, Luke Lacroix, 30, was brandishing a handgun when he barged into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Gaboriault.

Once inside, a struggle ensued with Fred Longchamp, a friend of Gaboriault’s.

Longchamp was able to break free and call the police, who arrived on the scene as multiple gunshots rang out.

Gaboriault came stumbling out of the building, police say, and was pulled to a safe location.

She had multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene a short time later.

Police found Lacroix dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Gaboriault worked for The Vermont Department of Public Safety for nearly five years with the Vermont Crime Information Center.

She was born and raised in Vermont and graduated from Lake Region Union High School in Barton in 2007.

In 2011 she earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from what was then Lyndon State College.

Her parents, younger sister and extended family live in the Northeast Kingdom and central Vermont.

“This was another senseless act perpetrated by a man who sought to control and dominate another person,” said Thomas D. Anderson, commissioner of Public Safety.

At the Department of Public Safety, Gaboriault was known for her good humor, her love of animals and her commitment to helping others.

“She was always happy to help a co-worker with any issue. She brought a sense of joy to her work and her co-workers every day,” said Jeffrey Wallin, director of the Vermont Crime Information Center. “Her loss is keenly felt by her colleagues and all whose lives she touched. The thoughts of everyone who knew and worked with Courtney are with her family and friends.”