SPRINGFIELD –– The Vermont Department of Corrections has reported the death of 72-year-old Gary Schaefer, an incarcerated individual from Springfield, Vermont, at the Kentucky State Penitentiary (KSP) in Eddyville, Kentucky.
Schaefer had been lodged at KSP since May 1985, serving a sentence of 30 years to life for Kidnapping, Murder in the Second Degree, and Sexual Assault under the U.S. Interstate Corrections Compact (ICC).
The ICC allows Vermont to house certain incarcerated individuals in other states for reasons such as heightened security needs or protection.
The incident occurred just after midnight on November 26 when KSP staff, during a routine cell check, discovered Schaefer experiencing a severe medical event.
He was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.
As a suspected serial killer, Schaefer was thought to be responsible for the murders of three girls in Springfield, Vermont, between 1979 and 1983.
He had confessed to two of these murders and remained a suspect in the third. However, he was convicted for only one of these crimes.
The Vermont Department of Corrections has notified the Office of the Defender General about Schaefer’s death, following their protocol.
The Kentucky Department of Corrections is providing ongoing updates to the VTDOC. As of now, the death does not appear to be suspicious.
