BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – July 7th marks one year since Kelley Cusson was found dead in a Burlington park, the victim of an apparent violent sexual assault. The 31-year-old’s mother now wonders if it all could have been avoided if the justice system operated as it should.
Construction continues on upgrades to Burlington’s Champlain Street Park, where a small playground will soon be an area for kids to create happy memories. But for Tina Cusson, it’s a place she’d rather not think about.
“She was just a kind-hearted woman the world’s just going to miss,” said Cusson, who carries a picture of her daughter, Kelly, everywhere she goes.
Kelley Cusson was found dead in the park last year. Police say there were signs of sexual assault and that she was strangled to death.
“Unfortunately, we also know she died in a violent way, which makes her death intolerable,” former Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said at the time.
Police made an arrest 10 days later. Claude Mumbere has been charged with second-degree murder. He was back in court last month taking plea deals on several cases he racked up before the murder charge. Chittenden County Chief Deputy States Attorney Sally Adams addressed the court on how Mumbere was able to accumulate those charges and not be arrested before the murder. “These cases were still on the books because Mr. Mumbere was unable to get himself to court. Once a warrant was issued, he continued to pick up more charges,” she said.
The case has Tina Cusson wondering if Mumbere was arrested earlier, her daughter might still be alive today. “If he would have been accountable and if they would have gotten him for the other charges, there wouldn’t be more victims like my daughter,” she said.
Cusson says she lives every day keeping positive memories of her daughter. “She has three beautiful babies that are going to live on and prove and show what a beautiful lady she is,” she said.
Cusson says she plans to have a memorial celebration in the park on Sunday to remember her daughter.
As for Mumbere, he is still behind bars awaiting a possible trial.