Full Breakdown
Evidence Presented as State Rests in Jason Eaton Trial
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Trial Evidence Links Jason Eaton to November 2023 Shooting
On September 15, 2026, prosecutors in Chittolend Superior Court presented forensic and digital evidence tying Burlington resident Jason Eaton to the shooting of three Palestinian-American college students in November 2023. Firearms examiner Harry Jeppe testified that cartridge casings recovered at the scene matched the Ruger handgun seized from Eaton’s apartment. Cellular-data analyst Samuel Lizzio used phone records to place Eaton in the North Prospect Street area at the time of the attack. Retail testimony from Bryan Smith of Powderhorn Outdoor Sports confirmed Eaton purchased the same-model Ruger handgun in April 2023 and passed a federal background check. The three victims—Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Aliahmad—were wounded as they walked on North Prospect Street; Awartani suffered permanent lower-body paralysis.
Background of the Incident
The shooting occurred on an evening in November 2023 when the students were visiting Burlington. Police recovered a handgun and prescription medication from a dresser drawer in Eaton’s bedroom. The firearm’s serial number matched the weapon used in the attack, and investigators linked the bullets to that gun. Eaton faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder and has pleaded not guilty.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge John Pacht dismissed a defense motion arguing insufficient proof of intent, stating the evidence satisfied the specific-intent element of the charges. The prosecution, represented by Deputy State’s Attorney Sally Adams, emphasized the forensic match and the cell-data location as core proof. Defense attorney Margaret Jansch signaled that the upcoming defense will focus on an insanity claim, arguing Eaton’s mental state at the time of the shootings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I determined that this cartridge casing was fired from the submitted firearm,” — Harry Jeppe
- “Sometimes that’s the way trials go,” — John Pacht, judge
- “The majority of evidence was located by me personally in the top drawer of the stand-alone dresser that was in that one bedroom,” — Det. Zachary Beal
- “I think clearly here the intent, the specific intent to kill, has been met,” — Judge John Pacht
What’s Next
The defense is scheduled to begin presenting its case on Wednesday, centering on Eaton’s mental condition. The trial is expected to continue through the remainder of the week, after which the jury will deliberate on the attempted-murder charges.