Vermont State Police say a death investigation is underway following the passing of 68-year-old Gregory H. Penn at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield. Authorities received notification around 9:40 p.m. on December 28, 2025, that Penn, who was receiving palliative care for a terminal illness, had died in the prison infirmary.
According to police, Penn had been diagnosed with a terminal condition earlier in the fall and was under medical care when he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:25 p.m. on the same day. A detective from the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations has been assigned to the case as part of standard protocol, but police indicate that the circumstances surrounding the death do not appear suspicious. An autopsy will be conducted at the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington to determine the cause and manner of death.
Penn had been incarcerated since December 2008, serving a 40-year sentence for convictions related to aggravated sexual assault and attempted sexual assault. As the investigation continues, police say that additional details will be limited, and inquiries should be directed to the Department of Corrections.
Source: Vermont State Police press release, view original report. This Vermont death investigation story highlights important developments. The Vermont death investigation situation continues to develop.
Legal Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Court dates and charges are subject to change. This report is based on information provided by law enforcement and may be updated as more details become available.
The Vermont death investigation situation continues to develop.
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Source: Vermont State Police
Bristol Vermont death investigation Marble Valley Correctional Facility Springfield VT Vermont State Police
Last modified: December 29, 2025
