Police Shoot, Kill Suspect In MA Woman's Death

BRATTLEBORO, VT — The suspect being sought by Vermont police in connection to the suspicious death of a missing Massachusetts woman was shot and killed by police Tuesday night, Vermont State Police said.

Massachusetts State Police confirmed Matthew Davis, 34, of Fitchburg, MA, was fatally shot during a confrontation by police in Vermont Tuesday night.

Police were looking for Davis as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance and death of 23-year-old Mary Anderson, of Harvard, MA. Anderson's body was found early Tuesday morning, inside her pickup truck parked on Elliot Street in Brattleboro, VT.

Police did not name Davis as a suspect, but was considered a person of interest, and people were warned not to approach him, Maj. Dan Trudeau of Vermont State Police said earlier Tuesday evening.

Later Tuesday night, Davis was located while walking in West Brattleboro by Vermont State Police. During an attempt to speak with him at about 7:45 p.m., he was shot by police and has been pronounced deceased, Vermont State Police confirmed.

Vermont State Police released a statement late Tuesday night:

This situation is unfolding, and all circumstances surrounding what occurred are under investigation, including which officers discharged their weapons. The name of the deceased man will be withheld pending notification of his next of kin. The Vermont State Police is unable to provide further details at this time.

Massachusetts State Police later confirmed the person of interest was in fact, Davis.

Anderson's family told police they were initially worried about her when they didn't hear back from her Saturday. They called her disappearance "uncharacteristic" and suspected foul play, officially reporting her missing Sunday morning when she didn't come home Saturday night.

Before the shooting incident, police released a statement saying they were looking to find and speak with Anderson's former boyfriend - Davis.

"There's a lot we don't know yet," Trudeau said, adding that the investigation is still very active and detectives are learning ongoing details.

Police have not yet determined why this happened in Brattleboro.

An autopsy is expected to be performed Wednesday morning, Trudeau said.

Massachusetts State Police said they were conducting an investigation and search of Harvard, Anderson's hometown. They referred all further questions to the Worcester District Attorney's Office, which confirmed the search was related to Anderson's disappearance but released no additional information.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious Monday night, particularly in the Elliot Street area in Brattleboro, is asked to call police. Additionally, if anyone has surveillance cameras in the area, they are asked to call Vermont State Police at 802-722-4600, Brattleboro Police Department at 802-257-7946.

This is a developing story, we will release more information as soon as it is available.