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Rooney Charged with Aggravated Murder

Burlington, Vermont - October 25, 2006

"This afternoon, Burlington Police investigators have brought charges against Brian Rooney, 36, of Richmond, Vermont for aggravated homicide in the death of Michelle Gardner Quinn," says Chief Tom Tremblay of Burlington Police.

Police say Brian Rooney has been their only suspect since Michelle Gardner Quinn disappeared 18 days ago and was found dead at the Huntington Gorge six days later.

Police say the autopsy revealed that Gardner Quinn died of strangulation and blunt trauma injuries during a sexual assault. They say she was killed within two hours after she was last seen walking with Rooney on October 7th. Police say they did not have enough evidence to charge Rooney with the murder until Wednesday.

"DNA samples found during Michelle's medical evaluation matched the DNA from Brian Rooney to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty. The scientific probability of the samples randomly existing in the Caucasian population are approximately one in 240 quadrillion," says Chief Tremblay.

Police say there are many details left to be learned, such as, where he killed her and how he transported her body to Richmond from Burlington.

But for now, they are satisfied that they've been able to charge him with murder.

"We're pleased with the results, but nobody can ever feel good about the tragedy that's occurred in our community," says Chief Tremblay.

For now, Rooney continues to be held on sex crimes charges unrelated to the Gardner Quinn homicide, that came to light during the course of this investigation.

He will be arraigned Thursday on the aggravated murder charge -- meaning he could get life without parole if convicted.

Brian Joyce - Channel 3 News