Woman's Remains Found In Shallow Grave, Years Later Vermont Police Say They Arrested Her Killer

After more than three years, police said they have made an arrest in connection to the murder of a woman found dead in a shallow grave.

This week, the Vermont State Police announced the arrest of Deven D. Moffitt, 32, in connection to the killing of Jessica Hildenbrandt, 43. She was found dead in September 2019.

Moffitt tried to run from his arrest and an officer had to tackle the suspect to take him into custody, police said.

On Sept. 27, 2019, the Vermont State Police started to investigate after a man reported finding a human jawbone in a gravel pit near Searsburg, Vermont. More human remains were found and in July 2020, they were confirmed as Hildenbrandt.

Hildenbrandt and Moffitt had been in a relationship while Moffitt was previously in jail, according to police.

In March 2019, Hildenbrandt reported to authorities that she feared for her life if Moffitt was released from prison. A detective spoke to Hildenbrandt, but she stopped cooperating in the investigation.

Moffitt was released after Hildebrandt posted his bail on July 8, according to police. Evidence indicated she was killed around that time.

Detectives continued to investigate and identified Moffitt as the suspect in her killing. He was arrested in connection to the murder and was ordered to be held in jail without bond.