The Burlington Free Press from Burlington, Vermont • Page 18

Diamond Favors Independent Probes Eight Years After Murder Investigators Still Stumped Responding to Diamond's claim that an "independent mechanism" is needed to police the police, Lynch said, "We have such a mechanism already in place and I stand by my records. "I am saying we already have rules and regulations under law to investigate complaints under law and we do it superbly well, and we don't indulge in public hanging in the papers without benefit of trial," he said. Vermont Deaths there attended by McGee, Lynch and Diamond, among others. The attorney general began his investigation as a result of that meeting. Lynch, contacted Sunday, continued to refuse comment on any aspect of the report "right now." "The truth will out and there will be due process when people take the stand and swear to tell the truth.

I have no further comment," the commissioner said. No charges, civil or criminal, are pending as a result of the report, and Lynch refused to elaborate on his warning that "there will be a trial. We'll talk when we have due process." Births MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AKER, Colemon ond Susan (Miller), Waterbury Center, ton, July 21. UNTEM, Roger and Judith (Blllard), Charlotte, a son, July 8. tOLOUC, John ond Dorothy (Noooll).

St. Albam, a son, July 22. RUSSIM. Kenneth ond Rhoda (King). Huntington, Oauphter, July 21.

SMETANA, Joseoh Jr. and Carol (Mundll). Colchester, a son, July 21. xi 1 Pit I 1 lf 7 A Notices and Funerals Held From Page 1 coran and his second-in-command, Maj. Glenn Davis, as "inconclusive," according to sources familiar with the report.

In the second case, Merriam al-ledgedly failed to discipline a subordinate, since retired, for not giving an alcohol test to Hardwick Police Chief Michael Lauzon, after the chief drove into a tree. At the time, Merriam was troop commander in Lamoille County. According -to a state police source, Public Safety Commissioner Francis Lynch responded to Lamoille County State's Attorney Scott McGee's complaints about the handling of the incident by assigning two corporals to investigate. The investigation, conducted in April 1977, reportedly focused on McGee's conduct, rather than on Merriam's role in the Lauzon case. Dissatisfied, McGee took his complaints to the governor's office, resulting in a May 1, 1978, meeting Death MRS.

ELIZABETH R. SIMPERS BURLINGTON Mrs. Elizabeth R. Simpers, 76, of Burlington and Colchester died early Sunday at a local nursing home after a long illness. She was born in Millville, N.J., March 14, 1903, daughter of Benjamin and Etta Rogers.

She attended schools In Millville and married her husband, Harold. They moved to Burlington in 1935. He died in Januory 1938. She ran the Victory Auto Store for many years. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church, was a member of the King's Daughters and the Greens Committee of the church, Athena Club, Zonta Club, Chittenden County Historical Society, Colchester Senior Citizens and the Burlington Business and Professional Women's Club.

She is survived by her son, Harold of Colchester; three grandchildren, Pamela, Harold Jr. and Wendy, all of Colchester; several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand-nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church. Friends may call at the Corbln and Palmer Funeral Home, 71 S.

Union this evening from 7:30 to 9:30. Contributions may be sent In her memory to the Colchester Senior Citizens In care of Mrs. Jamie Jacobs, 53 Main Colchester 05446. DONALD S. LAWRENCE ST.

ALBANS FAIRFIELD, Conn. Donald S. Lawrence, 69, formerly of this area and most recently of Fairfield, died unexpectedly Saturday morning in a Bridgeport, hospital. Mr. Lawrence was on accountant for E.I.

du Pont in Fairfield, retiring four years ogo. He was a member of the Elks Fairfield Lodge 2,220 and of the local Senior Citizens Group. He was a former member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in St. Albans and a graduate of Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans and the University of Alabama.

He was born In St. Albans May 16, 1910, the son of Felix and Anna (Menard) Lawrence. He was married on Jon. 19, 1935, to Ramona Donaldson of Swanton, who passed away March 11, 1976. Mr.

Lawrence Is survived by one daughter, Miss Stephanie Lawrence of Woodside, N.Y., and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Swanton. Interment will follow In the family lot In Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Kiddler Memorial Home Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Contributions in Mr. Lawrence's memory may be made to the Vermont Heart Association, Box 596, 56 Church Rutland 05701. AGUINALDO A. 'POP' BARR HARDWICK Aguinaldo A. "Pop" Barr, 78, died at his home Saturday By ELOISE HEDBOR frM Press Correspondent Eight years after a young Milton teacher was brutally murdered in a quiet residential Burlington neighborhood, there has yet to be an arrest.

Nearly everyone associated with the investigation has a prime suspect, but each seems to point a finger in a different direction and at least four individuals are singled out as the "one who did it." Rita Curran, 24, a second-grade teacher at Milton Elementary School, was beaten, strangled and sexually assaulted in the bedroom of her 17 Brookes Ave. apartment late Monday night, July 19, 1971. Burlington police say the file is still open but admit there has been nothing new in a long time. "We're not actively working on it," said Detective Sgt. Timothy Rollins.

The suspects include one who died of a drug overdose, one who was killed in a highway accident, and two later imprisoned on other murder charges in cases that bore no resemblance to the Curran murder. Capt. Richard Beaulieu, then chief of detectives, said the case is still open and although most officers who worked on it are no longer in the detective division, "No one has forgotten. I'm sure if we had a very good lead, we'd follow it up even though we're not in that division." There has been no other crime of this magnitude in Burlington that has gone unsolved, Beaulieu said. "It's one case that stumped us." U.S.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, then Chittenden County state's attorney, called it "a most frustrating thing. I don't know of anything that police put more time on." Leahy said he could not recall much of the details of the crime without reading over the file, and could not remember if there was one prime suspect. He said he did remember that different investigators named different suspects. A substantial reward was offered by The Burlington Free Press and others, but Leahy said, "I don't recall a nibble." Although it has been eight years since the murder, most of the investigating officers remembered it.

Most talked freely and admitted frustration at being unable to solve what Beaulieu called "one of the biggest cases we ever worked on." Miss Curran was last seen alive at 11:20 p.m. by a roommmate, Beverly Lamphere, who was leaving to join the third roommate, Kerry Duane, and a friend, Paul Robinson, at a Shelburne Road restaurant. Miss Curran had just returned from a barbershop quartet rehearsal and was getting ready for bed. The three returned to the apartment about 12:30 a.m. and sat talking in the living room for nearly an hour before Miss Lamphere went into the bedroom she shared with Miss Curran.

On the floor just inside the bedroom door was the nude body of the petite brunette, her hair in curlers, her face smashed and bloody. Leahy said the Fire Department rescue squad apparently was called before the police, and Robinson reported he tried to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The medical examiner reported later Miss Curran had died of manual strangulation accompanied by blows to the head and face. She had been sexually assaulted but not raped. Police combed the apartment for clues, which included bloodstains experts said were left by Free Press Photo BODY IS REMOVED FROM 1971 MURDER SCENE Partick Leahy, then state's attorney, is at rear ARR, Aaulnoldo A.

"Poo." 71 of Hordwick. Saturday; was a oortner with his brother ond father in Barr's Better Beverooes. a musician with his own oond, and a founder of the Vermont Beogie Cluo. BOUCHER, James 23, of 54 Franklin Souore. FLANDERS, CLyde 77, of East Fairfield, was a former In Fairfield ond Bakersfleld.

LAWRENCE, Donald 9, of Fairfield, formerly of St. loons, wos an accountant, retiring four years ogo, wos a former memoer ol Holy Angels Church in St. AiDons. SARCEANT, Mrs. Morion 71, of Granville, Saturday; taught in Whiting, Brandon ond Granville, served in the Legislature 1963-45 and hod oeen town auditor ond school director.

SIMPERS, Mrs. Eliiooeth 76, of Burlington ond Colchester; ran the Victory Auto Store tar many years, belonged to numerous organ Izo-tlons. ST. PIERRE, Geraldine. 54.

of St. Albans. the daughter of Horroce ond Morv (McDonnell) Taylor. She attended schools In Whiting and Brandon. She taught school in Sudbury, Whiting, Brandon and Granville.

She was a charter member of the Granville Ladies Club; a charter member and held several offices in the Moss Glen Grange; ond a past memoer of Hope Chapter, OES, of Rochester. She held such town offices as school -director and town auditor. She served in the Vermont Legislature from 1963 to 1965. She wos a member of the Granville and Hancock Methodist Church, and served os treasurer of that church. She was the widow of Crosby Sargeant, who died in 1957.

She is survived bv one son, Ide Sargeant of Granville; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several cousins. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Granville Methodist Church. Burial will follow In the Elmwood Cemetery in Granville. There will be no calling hours.

The Fletcher Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements. HAZEL N. STREETER BRADENTON, Flo. Hazel N. Streeter, 65, died Friday at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton after a short illness.

She was born in Guildhall, 6, 1913, the daughter of James and Clara Wilson. She Is survived bv her husband, David Streeter of Bradenton; five daughters, Lillis Smith of New Hope, Mildred Houde of Gllman, Dorothy Machell of Bradenton, Jacqueline Cochran of Danville, ond Cynthia Daley of Danboro, a sister, Jennie Hodgdon of Granby, a brother, James Wilson of Concord, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Concord Cemetery in Concord. Local Briefs Collette's Fine Furniture, Milton, closed for inventory July 21st through 28th.

Reopen Sunday, July 29th. Adv. Professional Announcements JL Paul Erik Gorrin, M.D., announces the relocation of his offices to 12 Pearl Essex Junction for Internal Medicine, Respiratory Disease and Family Practice Tel. 879-6371. Sale Managed by: Noel Lussier Marcel Roberts Sonny Miller For further information Please call: 802-472-5907 802-334-2638 802-888-2609 young man sleeping on the couch," Mrs.

Curran said. Miss Curran had told her parents, "I'll be home Wednesday," her mother recalled. The Currans were not told of their daughter's death until Tuesday morning when a Milton police officer came to their home, Mrs. Curran said. She remembers the shock of being told the autopsy had been completed.

Wednesday, two Burlington detectives visited the Currans and questioned them, receiving from them a picture of a quiet, almost painfully shy young woman. Questioning of neighbors in the area of the murder turned up no one who had heads screams or any other disturbance that night, although the medical examiner's report indicated a fierce struggle had preceded Miss Curran's death. Reports of a nighttime prowler in the neighborhood were checked without success. Several lie detector tests were administered, and police received tips from callers who thought they might have some bit of information. Many, although not all, of the known associates of the victim and her roommates were questioned.

At times rumor had it a suspect was about to be arrested. None was. But as the days, weeks and months dragged on, officers were pulled off the case, tips ceased to trickle in, and the general public pretty much forgot the case. "I haven't forgotten it," Mrs. Curran said.

"I don't think it should be let lie. Nothing will ever bring her back but we'd like to see justice done." evening. He was born In Berlin Sept. 27, 1900, the son of Edward and Josephine (Com-olli) Barr. He was educated in the schools of Hardwick, attended the University of Vermont, wos a lifelong member of the United Church of Hordwick.

He had been very active as a musician with his own band called Barr's Orchestra and later another bond, Maple Town Revelers. He had played in such diverse places as Boston, Canada and many local engagements in the Hardwick area. For many years he was a partner with his father and brother in the family business where they bottled Barr's Better Beverages. The business, which had been started by his father In 1909, continued for more than 62 years. Mr.

Barr was past president and a lifelong member of the Hardwick Kiwanis Club. He was one of the founders and a past president of the Vermont Beagle Cluo. He was a 50-vear Mason, belonging to the Caspian Lake Lodge, He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Surviving are his brother, Eddio of Hardwick; an aunt and several cousins. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at the United Church of Hardwick.

The Rev. James Potter will be officiating at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at the Holcomb Funeral Home, Church Street, Hardwick, Tuesday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Masonic service will be conducted at the funeral home at 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Hope Cemetery, Barre.

Contributions In his memory may be made to the Caspian Lake Lodge, Hardwick 05843. Arrangements are under the direction of John des Groseilliers, owner of the Holcomb Funeral Home, Church Street, Hardwick. CLYDE M. FLANDERS EAST FAIRFIELD Clyde M. Flanders, 72, died Sunday morning in the Burlington Convalescent Center following an extended illness.

He was born In Bakersfleld April 1, 1907, son of the late Simpson and Elizabeth (Cray) Flanders. He was a farmer in the Fairfield and Bakersfleld area all of his life. He Is survived by a sister-in-law, Mrs. Thelma Flanders of Winooskl; several nieces and nephews. A funeral high Mass will be offered Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

in St. Anthony's Church in East Fairfield. Friends may call at the Driscoll and Moran Memorial Home, 156 N. Main St. Albans, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Interment will be In the family lot in St. George's Cemetery in Bakersfield. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Loomis Montpelier 05602. T.J. Moran Is the funeral director.

MRS. MARIAN S. SARGEANT GRANVILLE Mrs. Marian S. Sargeant, 78, died Saturday morning at a nursing home in Barre.

She was born Oct. 23, 1900, in Whiting, I'- the murderer as he fled through the kitchen and out the back door. However, Leahy said no usable fingerprints were found. Immediately following the murder several young women reported assaults and threatening phone calls, but police say now there apparently was no connection between these incidents and the Curran murder. On Wednesday following the murder, Burlington police brought in for questioning a number of Burlington area residents with past records of sex offenses.

Friday, four days after the murder, Leahy announced a blackout on further information. "We have developed some new and encouraging leads, but I can't say more than that," Leahy said at the time. The rest of the case "will be handled secretly." From that time on, there was little public notice of the investigation although at one time Leahy said he would present evidence to a grand jury "in the fall." No grand jury was ever convened. But Mary and Thomas Curran of Milton, parents of the murdered girl, continue to live with the question. "I wish to God there was some kind of settlement to relieve our minds," Mrs.

Curran said recently. She believes there was a cover-up of some kind. "We felt a lot more could've been done but wasn't for political reasons." Mrs. Curran said her daughter had been living in that apartment only a couple of weeks and was planning to move out. Sunday, the day before she died, she told her parents she had an argument with her roommates after finding "a windmill and solar energy and agricultural displays.

"We are here to show there are new alternatives to nuclear power," Glenn McRae, 22. a student from East Longmeadow, said as he stood Sunday beneath a windmill spinning in the stiff breeze. The Vermonters, as well as residents of southwestern New Hampshire and western Massachusetts, talked about a planned occupation on Arson Suspect District Court in Barre on a charge of second-degree arson in relation to a 6 p.m. fire at the firm Saturday. Arson is a problem in Washington County, White said.

"Gallagher is not charged with those (other arson incidents), he is not a suspect and there is no indication that he was in any way involved in those," White said. "However, those cases are open and we haven't ruled out that possibility." Gallagher is 6 feet 3 inches tall and has brown hair and brown Waterbury Fire Chief Robert Grace said the Anderson Co. fire resulted in about $300 damage. FARM AUCTION CATTLE REAL ESTATE LERICHE FARM ROUTE 1 5, WOLCOTT, VERMONT THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1 979, 1 0:30 We have been commissioned by Mr. and Mrs.

LeRiche to tell at public auction, their entire form in Wolcott, Vermont. This is the finest opportunity for those looking for excellent cows or those interested in one of Vermont's best farms to come along this year. 275 cows CATTLE 275 cows An excellent herd of Holstein cattle, consisting of 275 mature cows producing at the present time, on average of 58 lbs. of milk per day. There are 25 to 30 cows due to freshen in each month throughout the entire year.

You can be sure to find cows with the right lactation to fit into your herd. All cattle to be blood tested ond T.B. tested prior to sole, to be sold to the highest bidder regardless of price. REAL ESTATE AND MACHINERY to be offered as one unit if not sold prior to sale. lying in the lomoille River Valley, this 640 ocre, 300 cow farm is the epitome of efficiency ond production.

With excellent buildings, com land ond a line of machinery unequalled, this can easily qualify os the best farm in Northern Vermont. LAND The home farm in Wolcott with over 400 acres consisting of 1 50x acres of beautiful tillage plus pasture woodland. The Hardwick farm consisting of 247 acres with 117 acres of lovely level tillage plus woodland. A beautiful hilltop piece with vistas unequalled in the Northeast Kingdom. BUILDINGS HOUSeS A.

Farmhouse restored in excellent taste with beoutiful antique beams and weathered barn siding. The main house has first flow beauty shop that would moke excellent office space or a small efficiency opartment. The second floor has two opartments that could be incorporated with the moin living quarters or be used as rental units. B. Modular duplex with two car garage, making excellent living quarters for farm employees or ollows for rental income.

C. Three mobile homes for either rental or for use as living quarters for employees. BamS 1. 70 tie conventional barn with 2" pipeline milker, and 20x50' silo. This ollows for segregation from the freestall unit, either for purebred stock or for cows that may not odapt well to loose housing.

2. Freestoll bom with 250 stalls equipped with a double eight milking parlor and 2,000 gallon bulk tank. There ore two sites, 36x60' ond a 30x70' tied to on outomotic feeding system. 3. Machinery shed and hay storage bam.

4. Pasture bam with feed bunks for summer use. MACHINERY An absolutely beoutiful line of machinery including 7 tractors, at least a doien trucks, many with forage boxes ond a complete line of tillage ond silage equipment. All machinery to be offered with the real estate os one unit. Owner reserves the right to one bid on the real estate ond mochinery only.

All small tools to be offered with real estate. CROPS TO BE SOLD WITH REAL ESTATE, 275 ocres of plonted corn. Vermonters at Rally Show Alternate Energy Sources of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant Sept. 22. "Sept.

22 in Vermont will be a real important place to be," said Jay Adams, 38, of Stoddard, N.H. "We are concerned about a real live living nuclear plant as opposed to one that will be working four or Five years from now if ever." "SAY IT -----WITH OURS" U37 WillistonRd. So. Burlington 658-4733 SOLDER FOR SALE 5050 $6' ib. The Auoctaled Preis Vermonters at this weekend's anti nuclear rally against the Seabrook, nuclear power plant exhibited alternative energy sources and gathered support for their proposed occupation of the Vermont Yankee plant in Vernon this fall.

A group of students from the Institute for Social Ecology at God-dard College in Plainfield erected a Police Seek Information WATERBURY Police are looking for people who may have seen a suspeci in a case of arson at the A.G. Anderson Co. on Railroad Street Saturday. Deputy State's Attorney Philip H. White said Sunday.

1 met $680 lb. $720 lb. Owners: Benoit and Sylvia LeRiche Wolcott, Vermont Terms: Cash on all cattle. Financing on real estate purchasers. 6040 6040 11 1U IURIMGTOM WASH I MCTAl U2SUS JSS-57K! White said GALLAGHER anyone who saw Roger C.

Gallagher, 26, of Waterbury between 3 and 9 p.m. Saturday should call police. Gallagher is scheduled to be arraigned today in Vermont i.