DNA Links Suspect To Slain Vt. Student

Blood found on the blue jeans of the prime suspect in the death of a Vermont college student matches the woman's DNA, a defense attorney said Thursday.

No one has been charged in Michelle Gardner-Quinn's slaying, but police have said Brian L. Rooney, 36, is believed to be the last person who saw her alive Oct. 7. He has denied any involvement in the woman's disappearance and is being held on unrelated sex charges.

At a Thursday arraignment, Rooney faced a third sex charge and also was accused of searching last November for someone to kill a former girlfriend, according to court records.

His defense attorney William Norful declined to comment on the latest allegations.

Meanwhile, police refused to release new information about Gardner-Quinn, who vanished after she had borrowed Rooney's cell phone as she walked from downtown following a night of drinking with friends.

The 21-year-old's body was found nearly a week later at the top of a gorge in Richmond, about 15 miles east of the University of Vermont, where she was a senior. Police said she was slain but have not given a cause of death.

In a separate, closed hearing Thursday, it was revealed that Vermont State Police analysis showed the blood found on Rooney's pants matched Gardner-Quinn's DNA, according to Rooney's court-appointed lawyer David Sleigh.

Sleigh, who participated in the hearing via telephone, told The Associated Press about the DNA evidence before he realized the sworn statement by prosecutors was not open to the public.

Deputy Chittenden County State's Attorney Justin Jiron would not confirm or deny the DNA match when asked Thursday, saying the affidavit was under seal. "I'm not allowed to talk about the results," Jiron said.

Police Chief Thomas Tremblay also refused to discuss the DNA results Thursday.

The investigation into Gardner-Quinn's death led to Rooney's initial arrest Friday when he was charged with sexual assault and lewd or lascivious conduct with a child in separate cases.

On Thursday, the unemployed construction worker also was charged with sexual assault and inciting a felony, in which he is accused of asking a convenience store clerk whether she knew anyone who would kill his former girlfriend, who is identified only as A.S. in court records.

Two other women testified at Thursday's arraignment that they heard Rooney say he wanted A.S. killed.

Rooney was ordered held without bail pending an Oct. 24 hearing.