SHEFFIELD, Vt. -
Police say a Sheffield man has confessed to taking part in the killing of an elderly woman in his hometown.
Two years ago, the body of Pat O'Hagan, 78, was found in the woods 10 miles from her home. Authorities say evidence prompted them to question Michael Norrie, 22, about O'Hagan's death.
Norrie is no longer cooperating with police, but in an unrelated firearms case, a detective testified in court Wednesday that Norrie talked to investigators several times after O'Hagan's body was found and made incriminating remarks.
"It was an unfortunate series of events that allowed that information to come out in court," Vt. State Police Maj. Ed Ledo said.
Ledo would not confirm whether Michael Norrie is a suspect in O'Hagan's killing, but Ledo did tell WCAX Reporter Jennifer Reading: "We know we're on the right track. But we still need more evidence to have a solid case to present to prosecutors. We are very confident in the work we are doing. We want justice for the O'Hagan family."
Norrie is in custody awaiting trial on charges of being a convicted drug user in possession of a stolen gun.
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Michael Norrie - Courtesy: Todd Wellington/Caledonian-Record
Pat O'Hagan
