A recent court ruling has left the community both relieved and reflective, as a Connecticut man was convicted in a shocking murder and attempted murder case that unfolded in Vermont.
Details Around the Crime
The three victims, all aged 20 and of Palestinian descent, have been identified as Hisham Awartani, Tahseen Ahmed, and Kinnan Abdalhamid. The trio was shot near the University of Vermont while conversing in Arabic, with two of them wearing keffiyeh—a traditional scarf. The three men were attacked while staying with Awartani’s uncle, Rich Price, who lives in Burlington
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The Trial and Sentencing
During the trial held in Burlington, Vermont, the accused 48-year-old man pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charges. However, following an intense courtroom battle, justice prevailed as he was convicted. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni highlighted the gravity of the ruling: I’m hopeful that this is a sign of things to come… when individuals who are violent and repeat offenders… you’re going to be sentenced in a severe way
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Impact on Victims’ Families
The family of one of the victims expressed their shock and devastation. Briana Vito poignantly captured their grief: She’s always singing, she’s always dancing, always laughing and to think a monster would take her life right after becoming a mother is just unimaginable
. The family vows to keep the victim’s legacy alive by focusing on her baby girl who looks just like Harbison. 
Community Response
The local community has rallied around the victims’ families, offering support through various means including a GoFundMe page set up to honor the slain’s memory and legacy. This collective effort illustrates a profound sense of solidarity amid such tragic circumstances.
A Troubling Trend in Violence
This incident is part of a broader unsettling trend of violence affecting Vermont. In a separate case, Joseph Ferlazzo Jr., also from Connecticut, remains held without bail for his involvement in his wife’s grisly murder during their vacation in Vermont.
Moreover, the state’s judiciary is grappling with a backlog of unresolved criminal cases, which have doubled since pre-pandemic times. Such delays often exacerbate trauma for victims’ families waiting for closure.
The Road Ahead
As communities continue to seek justice and find ways to heal, this case stands as both a cautionary tale and a call for action against escalating violence. Continued vigilance and collective community efforts will be paramount in addressing these serious issues moving forward.
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