[T]he case of a Poultney teen accused of plotting a school shooting in Fair Haven has already drawn attention for inspiring the historic set of gun restrictions signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott last week.
Now, as Sawyer’s legal proceedings carry on, the details of his case are leading lawmakers to reexamine the state’s definition of what constitutes an attempt to commit a crime.
Sawyer exchanged messages and wrote a journal about committing mass murder, purchased a shotgun and detailed plans to buy more equipment. He was arrested in February, before carrying out his alleged plot.
The case hinges on over a century of legal precedent. But revisions to the state’s attempt laws, which are under consideration in both chambers of the Legislature, could change the way cases like Sawyer’s are handled in the future.
On this week’s podcast: Robert Sand, of the Vermont Law School, explains how the legal standards surrounding the case could shift if legislators take action. Plus, VTDigger’s Alan Keays describes how Fair Haven residents are responding to the new developments.
Subscribe to the Deeper Dig on Apple Podcasts or Google Play. Music by Lee Rosevere and Blue Dot Sessions. Audio courtesy WCAX.
