BURLINGTON, Vt. — A woman initially thought to be a bear attack victim, then believed to have been pushed off a cliff, has been found dead at her home.
The Burlington Free Press reports 45-year-old Ladonna Merriman of Milton, Vermont, was found Wednesday.
Detective Paul Locke said the death isn’t considered suspicious. She was still recovering from a broken back and ribs from June. An autopsy was conducted; investigators await toxicology results.
Merriman’s boyfriend, 28-year-old Lucas Gingras, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.
Gingras said he was in a drug-induced haze at a cabin with Merriman. He described a bear attack and fire. Later, Gingras said he heard something trying to get inside, set the fire, and fled with Merriman to the cliff. He urged her to jump; police say he kicked her.
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