LYNDON - Ever since Mary Pat O'Hagan's abduction and violent death roughly one month ago, seniors in the Northeast Kingdom have had trouble dealing with the aftermath.  Their peace of mind and the feeling of safety is no longer there.  The Area Agency on Aging, Umbrella, Northeast Kingdom Youth Services, and the Vermont State Police felt that it was necessary to gather the community together to sit, talk, and listen.

Lyndonville Police Chief Jack Harris said, "I think it's good for our community because we do have a lot of older people in our community, many of whom knew Pat and were good friends with her."  Dr. Susan Wehry, a geriatric psychiatrist, came to Lyndonville from Burlington because the Area Agency on Aging told her that in the wake of O'Hagan's death a number of older adults were experiencing fear, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and depression.  Ken Gordon, the Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging, noted that people are feeling isolated and alone and that they need to feel that sense of community.

Gordon said that through research the Area Agency on Aging learned that people want to know facts, where the investigation stands, and the next step.  Dr. Susan Wehry said, "Recovery from a violent traumatic event is slower than people think it will be.  It's aided by knowing we're in it together, that their reactions are normal, and that if they take care of their health they'll be up for it."  One resident confirmed this at the meeting when he expressed that to him, he cannot heal until he knows what happened and who is responsible.

The Vermont State Police did not release any new information about this particular case, but they are still very involved in an active investigation.