VT Man Charged In 2019 Killing Of New York Woman: Police

SEARSBURG, VT — A Vermont man is facing a second-degree murder charge after police say he killed his former girlfriend in 2019 and left her body in a shallow grave.

Deven D. Moffitt, 32, of Bennington was arrested Wednesday in connection with the death of Jessica Hildenbrandt, 43, of Ballston Spa, New York. Moffitt's arrest marks the end of a three-year-long investigation into Hildenbrandt's death.

In September 2019, human remains were found at a gravel pit in Searsburg, according to Vermont State Police. In July 2020, officials confirmed the remains were Hildenbrandt, and her death was ruled a homicide two months later.

According to state police, Hildenbrandt and Moffitt were in a relationship while Moffitt was incarcerated in Vermont on a previous conviction. In March 2019, Hildenbrandt called the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office and later the Vermont State Police, telling authorities that she feared for her life if Moffitt were released from prison.

State police assigned a detective to the case, police said, but Hildenbrandt ultimately stopped cooperating with the investigation. As a result, law enforcement was unable to further look into her claims, police said.

After the discovery of Hildenbrandt's body, state police said Hildenbrandt posted bail for Moffitt on July 8, 2019, in a newly filed criminal case. According to police, Hildenbrandt was killed in mid-July 2019.

Moffitt fled after officers tried to arrest him Wednesday at his apartment, police said. A chase ensued, and after firing one non-lethal round at him, one officer tackled Moffitt and was able to take him into custody, according to authorities.

Moffitt's arraignment was scheduled for Thursday.