State News

Woman charged with two counts of Second Degree Murder

Father and son found dead with apparent gunshot wounds

TOWNSHEND — On Nov. 19, at approximately 8:58 p.m. the Vermont State Police responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Abby Road in Townshend, Vt. Rescue personnel were also dispatched. Upon arrival, troopers made contact with a woman, who indicated that there were two people shot inside the residence.

Troopers entered the residence and discovered two men both of whom appeared to have sustained serious injuries from gunshot wounds. A member of Rescue Inc. entered the residence with troopers and determined both victims were deceased.

Investigation has revealed the positive identities of  Steve Lott, age 60, and his son Jamis Lott, age 28. Both had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, police reported, which were the cause of their deaths.

Steven Lott lived at this location, his son Jamis Lott lived elsewhere and was visiting at the time of this incident. Both individuals were removed from the residence and transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.

Robin O’Neill, age 62, was identified as the woman at the scene. She was questioned extensively about the incident by troopers at the scene.

Robin O’Neill and Steve Lott had recently ended their relationship of a year. They were living together at the time of this incident, police report.

Investigation supports the charge of second degree murder (two counts) for Robin O’Neill’s involvement in this incident. Judge David Suntag ordered her held with no bail.

She was lodged at the State Correctional Facility in Springfield, Vt.

O’Neil was scheduled to appear in Windham Superior Court-Criminal Division on Nov. 20 at 1 p.m.

The Vermont State Police continue to investigate these events. Anyone with information is asked to call Vermont State Police-Brattleboro (802) 254-2382 or Submit

Your Anonymous Tip, Text “CRIMES” (274637) to Keyword: VTIPS.

The investigation is ongoing.

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