Putney Man Killed by Vermont State Trooper During Mental Health Crisis; Investigation Underway
PUTNEY, VT — July 9, 2025 — A 55-year-old Putney resident, Scott Garvey, was fatally shot Monday afternoon by Vermont State Trooper Peter Romeo during a tense mental health crisis response at the Putney Landing Apartments. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about law enforcement’s role in handling mental health emergencies.
Crisis Response Ends in Tragedy
Authorities responded to reports of a man barricaded inside an apartment, exhibiting threatening behavior. After several hours of negotiations, officers entered the apartment around 4:30 p.m. According to state police, Garvey was believed to be holding a firearm and did not comply with commands, prompting Trooper Romeo to discharge his weapon.
Garvey was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed gunshot wounds as the cause of death, which was ruled a homicide. However, subsequent searches found no firearm inside the apartment, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Community Reacts With Grief and Calls for Change
Neighbors described Garvey as a man struggling with mental health challenges who had recently exhibited troubling behavior. The shooting has deeply affected residents, many of whom are mourning while calling for better mental health crisis interventions.
“This is heartbreaking,” said a Putney resident. “We need systems that help people before situations escalate to this point.”
Official Investigation Underway
Trooper Romeo, who has served with the Vermont State Police since 2022, has been placed on paid administrative leave following department protocol. The Vermont Attorney General’s Office and Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office have launched independent investigations into the use of force.
Authorities are reviewing body camera footage, witness statements, and all available evidence to determine whether the trooper’s actions were justified.
A Broader Conversation on Mental Health and Policing
The tragic death of Scott Garvey highlights the urgent need for alternative responses to mental health crises. Advocates stress the importance of crisis intervention teams trained in de-escalation and mental health support — approaches that could prevent deadly outcomes in the future.
Lawmakers and community leaders are expected to intensify discussions around funding and implementing such programs in Vermont.
Remembering Scott Garvey
Scott Garvey’s death is a painful reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health emergencies and law enforcement. His family, friends, and neighbors mourn the loss of a man whose struggles ended in tragedy — a loss they hope will spark meaningful change.