Dark Downeast: The Murder of Austin Colson (Vermont) – Episode Summary

Introduction

In the January 9, 2025 episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist and storyteller Kylie Lowe delves into the harrowing case of Austin Colson, a 19-year-old from South Royalton, Vermont, whose mysterious disappearance and subsequent discovery of his remains have left the community seeking answers seven years later. This heart-centered, ethical true crime story sheds light on the intricate details, key discussions, and ongoing investigations surrounding Austin's tragic fate.

Background on Austin Colson

Austin Colson was a vibrant young man known for his industrious nature and entrepreneurial spirit. At 19, he had recently launched his own painting business, A and C Painting, which was thriving despite the slow winter season for his trade. To supplement his income, Austin engaged in scrapping—collecting and selling scrap metal—and crafted soaps and candles, skills inherited from his grandmother. He was described as a self-starter with a passion for the outdoors, gardening, and tinkering with cars.

Disappearance and Initial Investigation

On Thursday, January 11, 2018, around 11:00 AM, Austin left his apartment in South Royalton to engage in scrapping activities, intending to meet a friend at his father Dana Colson's house on Route 14 in Sharon, Vermont. Austin borrowed a small black utility trailer from Dana for the day. However, when Dana returned home later that day, the trailer was missing, and Austin's car remained parked outside.

Kylie Lowe [02:00]: "A 19-year-old South Royalton, Vermont resident was missing under suspicious circumstances for over four months before his remains were found in an old barn miles from home."

By early morning on January 12, Austin had not returned. His mother, Diana McKinney, reported him missing after Austin's phone was found turned off, and he was last seen near an ATM on Route 14 at 11:17 AM.

Emergence of Richard Whitcomb as a Suspect

The investigation soon pointed towards Richard Whitcomb, a 38-year-old and an old high school classmate of Austin’s mother. Whitcomb had a troubled history, including a felony conviction for aggravated domestic assault, making him a person of interest.

Kylie Lowe [16:00]: "During an initial interview on January 16, he told a detective that he sometimes bought drugs from Austin, mainly cocaine and pot, and he had done so as recently as the week before Austin disappeared."

Whitcomb admitted to occasional drug transactions with Austin and had previously used Austin’s father’s utility trailer for scrapping. However, his alibi regarding January 11th was fraught with inconsistencies, as cell phone records later contradicted his statements.

Evidence Against Richard Whitcomb

Multiple pieces of evidence emerged that implicated Whitcomb:

1. Cell Phone Data: Whitcomb’s phone pings placed him near the Colson residence and the site where Austin’s utility trailer was found abandoned.

   Kylie Lowe [23:00]: "Cell phone pings gave investigators approximate locations and a timeline of Richard's movements on January 11th."

2. Inconsistent Statements: Whitcomb claimed he never saw Austin on the day he disappeared, yet cell tower data showed multiple interactions between their phones.

3. Contradictory Testimonies: His friend Mark revealed that Whitcomb had fabricated an alibi regarding their trip to Manchester to buy cocaine.

4. Recovered Evidence: Items linked to Austin, including his baseball hat and shell casings, were found near a barn on Beaver Meadow Road, aligning with Whitcomb’s last known movements.

Discovery of Austin's Remains

On May 23, 2018, human remains were found in a dilapidated barn in Norwich, Vermont. The remains were confirmed to be Austin's through a complete autopsy, revealing a gunshot wound to the head. This grim discovery transformed the case from a missing persons investigation to a homicide.

Kylie Lowe [23:43]: "The autocraph and forensic examination confirmed that they were in fact the remains of Austin Colson."

Continued Investigation and Additional Evidence

Despite Whitcomb being a primary suspect, new leads suggested possible involvement of others:

1. Tip from “Noah”: A tip led police to the barn where Austin was found, but this raised questions about Noah’s potential knowledge or involvement.

2. Sarah Whitcomb’s Revelations: In August 2022, Richard’s ex-wife, Sarah Whitcomb, provided new information indicating that Whitcomb may have been involved in hiding evidence:

   Sarah Whitcomb [22:00]: "Richard seemed scared and stressed. He kept repeating something about tools in the shed. He needed to get rid of a shovel that he needed to ditch because police might show up at their house."

3. Hidden Spaces: Sarah discovered holes in Whitcomb’s residence, suggesting attempts to conceal items or evidence.

Legal Proceedings Against Richard Whitcomb

Whitcomb faced multiple legal battles:

1. Federal Charges: In February 2018, Whitcomb was indicted for unlawful possession of a .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol as a convicted felon and for using the firearm during drug distribution.

2. Sentencing: By September 2019, Whitcomb pled guilty to the firearm charge, receiving 37 months in prison and three years under supervised release. He also faced a misdemeanor for fraud related to a home improvement project.

3. Ongoing Scrutiny: Despite his convictions, Whitcomb remained a suspect in Austin’s murder, continuously under police investigation.

Kylie Lowe [35:00]: "Based on the court documents and search warrant affidavits, it's clear that the investigation into Austin's murder has been very active in recent years."

New Revelations and Ongoing Investigation

Four years post-disappearance, new information from Sarah Whitcomb hinted at possible additional suspects or collaborators:

1. Possibility of Noah’s Involvement: Sarah’s account suggested that Noah, the individual who tipped off the police, might have had intimate knowledge of the events surrounding Austin’s disappearance.

2. Search Warrants and Evidence: In February 2018, additional search warrants at Whitcomb’s residence unveiled potential firearm evidence, though details remain undisclosed.

3. Continued Police Efforts: Investigators have persistently revisited cell phone data, search histories, and other digital footprints to piece together the events leading to Austin’s death.

Conclusion and Current Status

Seven years after Austin Colson’s tragic death, the case remains unresolved. Richard Whitcomb, despite being a prime suspect with a questionable alibi and conflicting evidence, has not been formally charged with homicide. The involvement of other potential individuals, like Noah, leaves the door open for further investigations.

Kylie Lowe [43:30]: "Austin never experienced life past 19 and today his murder remains unsolved. January 11, 2025, marks the seven-year anniversary of Austin's death, and still his family waits for justice."

The Dark Downeast episode emphasizes the enduring pain and uncertainty faced by Austin’s family and the relentless efforts of investigators striving to uncover the truth. Listeners are encouraged to come forward with any information that might bring closure to this heartbreaking case.

Call to Action

If you have information regarding the 2018 homicide of Austin Colson, please contact the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933.

Notable Quotes:

• Kylie Lowe [02:00]: "A 19-year-old South Royalton, Vermont resident was missing under suspicious circumstances for over four months before his remains were found in an old barn miles from home."

• Sarah Whitcomb [22:00]: "Richard seemed scared and stressed. He kept repeating something about tools in the shed."

• Kylie Lowe [43:30]: "Austin never experienced life past 19 and today his murder remains unsolved."

Final Thoughts

Kylie Lowe’s meticulous recounting of Austin Colson’s case on Dark Downeast underscores the complexities and emotional toll of unsolved crimes in tight-knit communities. Through detailed narration and compelling evidence, the episode honors Austin’s memory and the pursuit of justice by his loved ones.