Vermont State Police say a man has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge related to the shooting death of 45-year-old Howard Doyle in Hancock. The suspect, 23-year-old Tanner Leary of Hancock, surrendered to authorities at the New Haven barracks on February 17, 2026, and was subsequently taken into custody.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on February 8, 2026, following a dispute involving individuals known to each other. Doyle was found deceased in a vehicle near Bettis Road, with the Chief Medical Examiner determining the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds. An autopsy confirmed the manner of death as homicide. Leary is scheduled to appear in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Middlebury for arraignment.
The Vermont Attorney General’s Office is overseeing the prosecution of this case. According to the report, the investigation remains active, and further details, including the affidavit of probable cause, will be made public following Leary’s arraignment. As the legal proceedings continue, the charges against Leary are allegations, and any court dates or charges may change as the case develops.
Source: Vermont State Police press release, view original report. This Vermont hancock arrested story highlights important developments.
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 hancock arrested situation continues to develop.
The Vermont hancock arrested situation continues to develop.
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Source: Vermont State Police
Addison Vermont Hancock Howard Doyle murder charge Vermont State Police
Last modified: February 17, 2026
