First trial in fatal Burlington homeless camp attack scheduled

One of four suspects in a fatal Burlington homeless camp assault is scheduled for trial later this month. 

Myia Barber, 24, of North Ferrisburgh is scheduled for a four-day trial the week of Sept. 25. Barber has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the death of Amos Beede, 38, of Milton. Beede died several days after the May 2016 attack. 

A fifth person who had been accused in the assault pleaded guilty to aggravated assault earlier this year and will be required to serve as a witness in the upcoming trial. 

Cases are still pending for Vermont residents Erik Averill, 22; Amber Dennis, 31; and Jordan Paul, 23. Each has also pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. 

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Per a plea agreement earlier this year, Allison Gee, 26, will be required to testify against her co-defendants. She is currently serving a five-year prison sentence, after which she will spend an undetermined amount of time on probation. If Gee violates the conditions of her probation, she could be sent back to prison for an additional 10 years.

Police have said the assault on Beede was the result of an ongoing feud between two homeless camps located off Pine Street in Burlington near the Barge Canal. The attack came in retaliation after Amos Beede poured bottles of urine in Averill’s and Barber’s tent, according to court papers.

All the suspects except Dennis fled the state after the attack and were arrested about a week later in San Diego.

All four remaining suspects are jailed without bail while their cases are pending.Each faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison if convicted.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LizMurrayBFP.