By: Laura Soukkavong
HANCOCK, Vermont – On the morning of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Vermont State Police arrested Tanner Leary, age 23, of Hancock, after he turned himself in at the VSP Barracks in New Haven. Leary is charged with
- Second Degree Murder
in connection with the shooting death of 45-year-old Howard Doyle on February 8th. Mr. Leary was ordered held pending arraignment on Tuesday afternoon in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Middlebury.
The case began at about 1030 hours, Sunday, February 8, 2026, when police received a report of an altercation at a property on Bettis Road in Hancock. A male subject was located by first responders inside a vehicle near the scene.
The male victim was later identified as 45-year-old Howard Doyle of Rochester. An autopsy completed by the Chief Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
During an initial investigation indicated that the incident began from a dispute involving individuals who were known to one another. Authorities state there is no threat or danger to the public.
Leary’s prosecution will be handled by the Vermont Attorney General’s Office.
This remains an active ongoing investigation. If any member of the public has information that could assist investigators are asked to contact the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
Community members who wish to provide information anonymously may do so through CrimeStoppers:
- By Phone: 1-800-494-TIPS
- By Text: Text “TIP” to CRIME (27463)
- Online: Boston Police CrimeStoppers
Photos and videos related to the investigation may also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers. The Boston Police Department strictly protects the identities of individuals who assist in investigations anonymously.
Additional information will be provided as it comes in.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.