STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
Vermont State Police issues citation arising from February death in Corinth
CORINTH, Vermont (Friday, Oct. 23, 2026) — The Vermont State Police has continued to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the Feb. 14, 2026, death of 25-year-old Jeremy Kawalec in Corinth.
The investigation determined that Kawalec and Donna Guillette, 24, of Corinth had argued during the night of Feb. 14, 2026. During the argument, Guillette introduced a firearm to the situation knowing that Kawalec was expressing intentions of self-harm. Guillette placed the firearm near Kawalec, who picked up the handgun. A short time later, the firearm discharged, killing Kawalec.
Upon completion of VSP’s investigation, detectives turned over the case for review by the Orange County State’s Attorney’s Office. The state’s attorney subsequently directed VSP to cite Guillette on one misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment related to her actions the night of Feb. 14.
Troopers located Guillette on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, and issued her a citation ordering her to appear for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Chelsea.
No additional details are available at this time. The affidavit of probable cause will be filed with the criminal court clerk’s office and made available following Guillette’s arraignment. Members of the news media should contact the clerk’s office to confirm details of the hearing.
***Update No. 1, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026***
An autopsy was completed Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington. The Vermont State Police is able to identify the person who died as Jeremy Kawalec, 25, of Corinth.
The medical examiner determined the cause of Kawalec’s death was “sustained gunshot wound during an altercation,” and the manner of death is listed as undetermined. Further investigation by detectives into this incident has determined that the death is not suspicious.
VSP has no additional information to share regarding this case.
***Initial news release, 12:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026***
The Vermont State Police is investigating a suspicious death in the Orange County town of Corinth.
The investigation began at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, when police received a 911 call reporting a domestic altercation at a home on Richardson Road. A state trooper responded and located a man unresponsive inside the residence. Emergency medical services personnel subsequently pronounced the man deceased on scene. The death is considered suspicious.
VSP’s preliminary investigation indicates this incident arose from a dispute involving people who knew each another. Everyone associated with this matter is accounted for, and there is no identified danger to the public.
The victim’s body will be brought to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. The state police will release the identity of the deceased man following further investigation and notification of his relatives.
This investigation is in its initial stages and involves members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division and Victim Services Unit.
VSP asks that anyone with information that could assist investigators call the St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111 or submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
No additional information is currently available. The state police will provide updates as the investigation unfolds.
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