BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – An unusual criminal prosecution took place in Vermont on this day in history. Stephen Converse Brooks was arraigned on a charge of manslaughter on Dec. 6, 1991, in connection with the deaths of three people from carbon monoxide poisoning three years earlier.
Investigators determined that Brooks sold his Burlington home to the family without disclosing a known defect with the home’s driveway heating system.
Legal experts said at the time it was rare for homicide charges in connection with the sale of a home. Brooks was convicted and sentenced to four years in jail.
