According to police reports, the Vermont State Police are investigating the death of 68-year-old Gregory H. Penn, who passed away while in custody at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025, when authorities were notified around 9:40 p.m. that Penn had died in the prison infirmary, where he was receiving palliative care for a terminal illness.
Police say that Penn was pronounced dead shortly before 9:30 p.m. The investigation, conducted by a detective from the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, is standard procedure in such cases. Preliminary findings indicate that the death does not appear suspicious. An autopsy, performed by the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, confirmed that the cause of death was complications from an ongoing medical issue, labeling it as natural.
Penn had been incarcerated since December 2008 following convictions for aggravated sexual assault and attempted sexual assault, serving a 40-year sentence. As the investigation continues, police report that no further details are available, and inquiries should be directed to the Department of Corrections. Charges against Penn are not applicable in this context, as he was an inmate at the time of his passing.
Source: Vermont State Police press release, view original report. This Vermont death investigation 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 death investigation situation continues to develop. The Vermont death investigation situation continues to develop.
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Source: Vermont State Police
Addison Vermont death investigation Gregory Penn Southern State Correctional Facility Springfield VT
Last modified: March 24, 2026
