MORRISTOWN, Vt. (WCAX) – Questions are swirling around Morrisville after police say they are investigating the suspicious death of a 76-year-old resident in his home early Wednesday.
“I’m in shock that something like this would happen in a small community like Morrisville,” said Scott West, who lives just up the road from Cote’s home and business, which is now surrounded by crime scene tape. “Seems like everything was normal and usual every time I went by, and I’d walk by pretty frequently. Seemed like a busy little shop.”
Neighbors say Cote owned Richard’s Auto Body & Repair, where he sold used cars.
“He was a great neighbor. My son worked for him and he was a mentor to my son. Sorry to hear that this has happened to him,” said Mike Beagan.
Morristown Police on Wednesday said they received a call from one of Cote’s associates reporting they were concerned about him.
Vermont State Police investigators were on scene Thursday and could be seen going in and out of the building. Authorities say the incident is isolated and there is no threat to the community, without explanation why. That has some residents on edge.
“It heightens my awareness of what’s around me and what’s going on. It makes me a little nervous,” West said.
Cote’s body was taken to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of his death.
Morristown Police are asking anyone with information to contact them: 802-888-4211.