PHILIP B. SCOTT

3

Govemor

State of Vefinont

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
June 5,2019

The Honorable Thomas J. Donovan, Jr
109 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05609
Dear Attomey General Donovan:
As you know, on Tuesday the Chittenden County State Attorney's Office dismissed, without prejudice,
three pending cases that alleged violent criminal acts perpetrated against innocent Vermonters:

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the murder of Yogeswari Khadka in201l;
the murder of Richard Medina in 2017; and
the attempted murder of Darryl Montague in 2015

From a layperson's perspective, and certainly as Governor, I'm at a loss as to the logic or strategy behind
this decision to drop all charges - especially considering the fact that the State's Attorney is aware the
Department of Mental Health has no legal authority to continue to keep individuals hospitalized when
they do not meet the legal criteria for hospital level of care. These cases are among the most violent
crimes committed in Vermont in recent memory, and with their dismissal, there is no longer a possibility
of supervision by the Department of Corrections or conditions of release to protect Vermonters.

I believe the victims, their families, and the public deserve a full review to ensure justice is served and
public safety has been considered. Therefore, I respectfully request you conduct a thorough review to
determine if your offrce should re-file any, or all, of these charges.
The top priority of government is public safety, and I certainly don't take this obligation lightly. A civil
society cannot function properly when a heinous violent crime is not properly adjudicated, and the public
is put at risk.
Please evaluate these cases and assure Vermonters that justice is, in fact, served.
Sincere

Philip B.
Governor

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