Vermont man charged with murdering roommate

WHITINGHAM, Vt. (WCAX) - An accused killer is now in custody for a murder that happened months ago.

Police say the investigation came together quickly after a family member reported the crime on Monday.

Vermont state police searched for evidence Wednesday morning at a home near the intersection of Corse Road and Route 100 in Whitingham, a Windham County town that borders Massachusetts.

That’s where Justin Stacy, 30, is accused of killing his roommate, Robert Francis, 75.

Court paperwork paints a gruesome picture of the killing. Stacy’s own brother told police the three were living at the home in Whitingham. His brother said Stacy was punching and kicking Francis in the morning hours of Feb. 10. After leaving the house and coming back hours later, he said Stacy told him Francis was dead and that Stacy had dismembered his body in the basement. Police later determined that Stacy burned Francis’ body in a fire pit outside.

Investigators said he gave various reasons why and how Francis died, including calling it assisted suicide. But they also said the story changed more than once.

Court paperwork indicates Stacy never reported it because he was on probation. His brother, who told police about what happened, said he had concerns about turning in his brother but grew concerned over his recent behavior.

Justin Stacy pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and is being held without bail.

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