Krystal Whitcomb, Death Resulting, Vermont 2018

Krystal Whitcomb, 28, and her associates are facing serious charges in connection with the murder of her boyfriend, Michael Pimental.

According to court documents, on October 14, 2018, the body of Michael Pimental was found along the side of the road in Concord, Vermont. Pimental had been shot and his death has been ruled a homicide.

Investigation revealed that Whitcomb and Pimental had been distributing heroin out of their residence in Waterford, Vermont. Michael Hayes, Michael Ashford, and John Welch, all acquaintances of Whitcomb’s, were also involved in the sale of drugs.

Whitcomb, Hayes, and Welch planned the homicide of Pimental and on October 13, 2018, John Welch shot Pimental in connection with a drug trafficking crime. The next day, Whitcomb and Hayes were stopped in New Hampshire in a Cadillac registered to Pimental. A search of the vehicle recovered firearms, a large quantity of drugs, and U.S. currency. Pimental’s blood was also found in the trunk of the car.

The defendants were charged with using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

The death resulting charge, 18 U.S.C. § 924(j), is punishable either by death or up to life imprisonment. The government has notified the court and the parties that the government will not seek the death penalty against the defendants. Whitcomb, Hayes, and Welch therefore each face a possible life sentence and up to a $250,000 fine.

The defendants will be arraigned on the indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy at a date to be scheduled in the future.

This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/death-resulting-charges-filed-waterford-homicide-case