Brian L. Rooney, Suspect in Michelle Gardner-Quinn Murder Tried on an Unrelated Sex Charge
How often do we hear about a murder or rape suspect being held on an unrelated charge when being investigated for another crime? In Brian Rooney’s case he is being tried for an unrelated sex crime. Brian Rooney was charged in the murder of UVM student Michelle Gardner Quinn. However, first he must face sexual assault charges against a former girl friend.
Still, the sex-assault case won’t be ready for trial until late 2007, Gretkowski told Judge Michael Kupersmith during a 20-minute hearing in Vermont District Court in Burlington.
Rooney, 36, of Richmond pleaded not guilty Oct. 19 to one count of repeatedly sexually assaulting a former girlfriend between 2002 and 2005, and another count of inciting a felony on an accusation he tried to hire someone to kill the woman after their relationship ended.
A gag order Kupersmith issued in the Gardner-Quinn case bars participants from making public comments about the proceedings outside the courtroom. (Burlington Free Press)