NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) – A man accused of a fatal shooting in Greensboro has been found not guilty.
Daryl Johnson of Greensboro was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the October 2021 shooting death of Robert Chaplin, 27, of East Hardwick.
Police say the two men were involved in a fight at the Hardwick Quick Stop after Chaplin attempted to buy beer. The store clerk refused the sale believing that Chaplin had already had too much to drink. Police say that’s when Johnson got involved, shoving Chaplin out of the quick stop. Later that night, Chaplin showed up at Johnson’s home, and Johnson shot Chaplin after he refused to leave the property.
Johnson claimed self-defense. He was released pending trial after a November 2021 hearing.
Thursday in Orleans County Court, Johnson was found not guilty of any crimes and the case is over. His lawyer said Johnson and his family are grateful for the support the Greensboro and Hardwick communities have given him during this ordeal.