Persons Of Interest In VT Homicide Case Arrested After Salisbury Crash

CONCORD, NH — Two people from Vermont who are persons of interest in a homicide investigation were arrested on various charges after an incident in Salisbury on Wednesday.

Around 2 a.m., New Hampshire State Police troopers, as well as Salisbury fire and rescue teams, were called to Old Turnpike Road for a report of a crash. EMTs heard there were two people involved in the crash and were hiding in the post office nearby.

Troopers secured the area, Amber Lagace, a spokesperson, said, and were able to convince Michael O’Brien, 35, of Fair Haven, VT, to exit the building and surrender. Courtney Samplatsky, 34, also of Fair Haven, was also arrested not long after.

“Samplatsky and O’Brien fled the scene of the crash and ran to the post office building where they broke a pane glass window and made entry,” she said. “In order to maintain security for the scene, the roadway was shut down in the area of Route 4 between Route 127 and Rabbit Road for several hours. New Hampshire State Police SWAT and EOD were utilized to clear the post office building.”

As state police were investigating the incident, the department received information that both O’Brien and Samplatsky were persons of interest in a recent homicide investigation in Rutland City, VT. Specifics about the homicide investigation are unknown at post time. But according to a WCAX-TV news report, the most recent killing in that community was a man found dead inside of his home on Baxter Street, one known for drug activity, on Sunday.

They were both arrested on burglary, criminal mischief, conduct after an accident, and fugitive from justice charges. O’Brien and Samplatsky are being held at the Merrimack County Jail.

Samplatsky is no stranger to police. In January 2013, she was arrested in South Burlington, VT, as part of a police action involving drugs and prostitution. She was accused of posting ads on escort websites and having warrants, including one for cocaine charges, the report stated.

State police were assisted on the scene by Salisbury Fire and EMS, the Franklin and Boscawen police, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Trooper Micah Jones at 603-223-8885 or Micah.A.Jones@dos.nh.gov.

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