Carroll Peters, a 71-year-old Vermont man who was charged with the first-degree murder of his estranged wife more than 30 years ago, has passed away. Peters, of Hyde Park, was arrested in September 2024 following an indictment by a grand jury in Lamoille County for the 1993 death of 42-year-old Cheryl Peters, who was in the process of divorcing him at the time of her killing.
Lamoille County State’s Attorney Aliena Gerhard confirmed on Thursday that Carroll Peters had died, although specific details regarding the cause of his death were not immediately available. Peters had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and was released on $200,000 bail, with a trial scheduled for January 2026.
Gerhard expressed gratitude to the grand jury for indicting Carroll Peters on the first-degree murder charges, stating that the weight of evidence against him was substantial. While the case will no longer proceed to trial due to Peters’ passing, Gerhard hoped that the indictment brought some measure of solace to Cheryl Peters’ family after three decades of waiting for justice.
The State’s Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the dedication of law enforcement personnel, who never gave up on the case over the years, ultimately making the grand jury indictment possible. Gerhard emphasized the importance of ensuring that the murder charge against Carroll Peters would not be sealed or expunged from court records, given the gravity of the crime.
Carroll Peters, who had been previously investigated in connection with his wife’s murder, had resided in the Morrisville area for many years following her death and operated a land surveying business in town, according to his defense attorney, Kirk Williams. Gerhard described Cheryl Peters’ killing as “execution-style” during Peters’ arraignment, highlighting the brutal nature of the crime.
Expert Insights on Legal Ramifications
Legal experts weigh in on the implications of Carroll Peters’ death on the murder case, noting that his passing raises questions about the pursuit of justice and closure for Cheryl Peters’ family. Attorney James Monroe shared his perspective, stating, “With the defendant no longer alive, the legal proceedings would typically come to an end. However, the impact of these events on the victim’s loved ones cannot be understated.”
Monroe emphasized that while the criminal case may be closed, the emotional toll on the family of the victim remains significant. “In cases like these, where justice is delayed and ultimately denied due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, the pain and suffering of those left behind are often prolonged,” he added.
Community Reflection and Moving Forward
Members of the Morrisville community, where the Peters family resided for years, expressed mixed emotions following the news of Carroll Peters’ death. Local resident Sarah Thompson shared her thoughts, saying, “It’s a tragic end to a long-standing mystery in our town. While there’s some closure in knowing that the case won’t go to trial, the unresolved questions and lingering pain for the family remain.”
Thompson highlighted the resilience of the Peters family throughout the decades of uncertainty, noting that their journey had captivated and saddened many in the tight-knit community. “We hope that they can find peace and healing in the midst of this bittersweet conclusion,” she remarked.
As the legal proceedings come to a close with Carroll Peters’ passing, the legacy of Cheryl Peters and the quest for justice in her memory endure. While the case may never reach a definitive resolution in a courtroom, the impact of her tragic death reverberates through the lives of those who knew her, underscoring the importance of remembrance and reflection in the face of adversity.
