A grim silence has settled over the quiet, wooded hills of Eden, Vermont, following a heartbreaking tragedy that took the lives of two long-time residents in what authorities are now investigating as a murder-suicide. The incident, which has stunned this small Lamoille County community, has left family members and neighbors reeling with grief, disbelief, and unanswered questions. According to the Vermont State Police, the victims have been identified as 78-year-old David Buchanon and his wife, 70-year-old Karol Buchanon. The couple was found deceased in their home earlier this week, and the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Thursday, April 10, that Karol was fatally shot before David took his own life.
Police were called to the Buchanons’ residence on Tuesday morning, April 8, after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check. The neighbor, who had not seen the couple in several days and noticed mail piling up at the end of their driveway, feared something was wrong. Upon arrival, troopers found the door locked but no signs of forced entry. After entering the home, they discovered the couple’s bodies in what one law enforcement source described as a “deeply distressing scene.”
Autopsies conducted in Burlington have since confirmed that Karol died of multiple gunshot wounds, while David’s cause of death was a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun registered to David was found at the scene, and no signs of struggle or intrusion were evident. Police have ruled out the involvement of any third parties.
“This appears to be a tragic case of domestic violence that ended in a murder-suicide,” said Vermont State Police spokesperson Sgt. Jennifer Monroe in a statement. “While we continue to investigate and speak with family members and acquaintances, all current evidence points to this being a deeply personal and tragic act.”
David and Karol Buchanon had lived in their modest, white clapboard home on a rural stretch of Eden for over 30 years. Retired and living on a fixed income, they were known by locals as quiet, reserved individuals who kept mostly to themselves but were respected and regarded fondly. David, a former logger and carpenter, was described by those who knew him as practical and hardworking. Karol, who spent much of her life working as a secretary at a local elementary school, was remembered as gentle, soft-spoken, and deeply kind-hearted. Together, they raised two children, both of whom now live out of state.
“They were the kind of people you waved to when you passed by,” said a neighbor, who asked not to be named. “Karol had this little garden she loved to tend. David was always fixing something — the fence, the shed. It’s just hard to imagine something like this happening in their home.”
While the Buchanons maintained a quiet presence in the community, authorities have suggested there may have been underlying personal struggles in recent years. Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that David had been in declining physical health and that Karol had been caring for him full-time. The emotional and financial stress of caregiving may have taken a toll, though police have not confirmed any specific motive.
“There’s no way to understand what truly goes on behind closed doors,” said Rev. Melissa Crane of the Eden Congregational Church, where Karol occasionally attended services. “But we do know that isolation, health issues, and mental distress can quietly build up — especially for older couples who are facing so much alone.”
The news has struck Eden hard. A town of just over 1,300 residents, Eden is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone — or at least recognizes each other’s faces. The sudden and violent nature of the Buchanons’ deaths has rattled a community unaccustomed to such tragedy.
Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now sit in a small memorial near the Buchanons’ mailbox. One note simply reads: “Rest in peace, neighbors. We are so sorry.” Another says: “You were never alone.”
Local officials and clergy have stepped in to provide grief counseling and mental health support for neighbors and friends affected by the incident.
“This is a small town with a big heart,” said Selectboard Chair Thomas Granger. “We grieve together, and we take care of our own. This tragedy reminds us of how important it is to check in on one another — to talk, to listen, and to make sure no one feels forgotten or overwhelmed.”
In a short statement released through Vermont State Police, the Buchanon family expressed their deep sorrow and asked for privacy during their time of mourning.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our parents, David and Karol. They were loved deeply by their family, and this tragedy has left a hole in our hearts that words cannot fill. We ask for privacy as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support.”
As the investigation continues, many in Eden are grappling with the heartbreak of losing two long-time members of their close-knit community. The murder-suicide, while leaving unanswered questions, serves as a painful reminder of the emotional and psychological struggles many individuals and families face behind closed doors. The Buchanons’ tragic deaths have shaken the community, but their memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved them.
The local police have vowed to continue their efforts to understand the circumstances leading to the deaths of David and Karol Buchanon. Investigators are exploring every lead, while also working to bring closure to a grieving community that has been forever changed by this senseless tragedy. The town of Eden is left to mourn the loss of two people who, despite their quiet lives, had an undeniable impact on those around them. While questions remain about the causes that led to this heartbreaking event, the community remains committed to supporting one another as they come to terms with the grief of losing David and Karol.
The aftermath of this tragedy is not just a loss of two lives, but also a reminder of the importance of emotional and psychological well-being. It speaks to the complexities of life, particularly for those in their later years, and the importance of checking in with loved ones, neighbors, and friends, no matter how quiet or reserved they may seem.
Eden, Vermont, now faces the painful task of moving forward after this tragic event, but the memory of David and Karol Buchanon will live on in the people whose lives they touched. Rest in peace, David and Karol. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of kindness, community, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew you.
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