Kayla Wright, a 29-year-old resident of Derby, Vermont, was reported missing shortly before her body was found in a container in a remote location in northern Vermont.
Three individuals have since been arrested in relation to her death.
On February 6, in the peaceful town of Troy, Vermont, Wright’s body was discovered on a sandbar in the Missisquoi River in the picturesque Big Falls area of Missisquoi State Park, near the southern border of Quebec. The Vermont State Police announced that Wright was last seen on February 2 and had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
Sara Davis, a close friend of Wright’s from Montana, recalled their time together. Despite living far away from her family, Wright maintained a close bond with them, often connecting via Facetime. Davis and Wright became friends in Big Sky, Montana, a location known for its ski slopes and hiking trails. Though not typically inclined toward outdoor pursuits, Wright made many friends during her four-year stay before moving back to Vermont.
Wright’s sudden disappearance triggered immediate concern due to her close relationship with her family. The Vermont State Police launched an investigation, which they described as “active and ongoing”, and enlisted the help of federal law enforcement.
Federal charging documents have implicated three individuals in an ongoing drug distribution investigation. A probable cause affidavit suggests that Wright had contact with at least one of these suspects on the day she disappeared. The affidavit states, “Wright had been associating with individuals at the subject property, had stayed at the subject property at times, and had been involved with narcotics for some time.”
The trio were identified as Jakiy Tramaine Corey Keith, Bryanna Rooney, and Thomas Rooney.
An emergency signal led authorities to find Wright’s phone at the Rooney’s residence on February 3. Keith, also known as “AB” and “Anthony Borrow,” allegedly used Facebook to inform a family member about Wright’s death.
According to the documents, Keith confronted people at the house, armed, and demanded to know Wright’s location. He was told that she had been shot three times over a counterfeit money dispute and her body hidden in a toolbox. The detention memos for the Rooneys and Keith indicate they may possess further information about the case.
Sara Davis emphasized the importance of remembering Wright for her vibrant personality and the love many had for her, rather than the grim circumstances of her death.
