CHELSEA, Vt. (WCAX) - The family of a Newbury homicide victim is calling on Vermont officials to do more when it comes to protecting communities from those who suffer from mental illness and commit a crime. It comes after James Perry Jr. -- who admitted killing his own daughter in 2021 -- was found not guilty earlier this summer by reason of insanity.

The Orange County Courthouse in Chelsea was packed Friday as loved ones of Karina Rheaume expressed their grief to the court over her tragic death at the hands of her own father.

“The process never ends. Every hearing, every update re-traumatizes us, keeps the wounds open, keeps the fear alive,” said Mason Rheaume, Karina’s son.

The 38-year-old was shot to death outside her father’s Newbury home. She was there to bring him cookies and chec

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