Burlington murder defendant also charged in South Burlington killing

Denroy Dasent has been charged in the murder of Brian K. Billings in South Burlington, the second fatal shooting for which he is facing charges. Dasent pleaded not guilty in his arraignment on Thursday, according to VTDigger.

Dasent was also charged earlier this week in the murder of Sheikhnoor Osman, which happened just hours before the shooting of Billings at Swiss Host Motel and Village on Williston Road on Sunday night. Dasent pleaded not guilty to this charge as well.

Vermont State Police divers recovered a Glock pistol from Lake Champlain on Tuesday believed to be involved with both homicides, said Acting Chief Jon Murad of the Burlington Police Department in an email Wednesday. Other evidence linked the two murders in court documents filed by Burlington police.

Previous reporting:Is one suspect responsible for both Oct. 2 homicides?

Dasent owns Island Passion, a Caribbean restaurant at University Mall, with his wife and is a resident of South Burlington. He has been arrested twice in Vermont for misdemeanors and convicted of one. He also been convicted of crimes in California and New York and is a convicted felon, according to Burlington Police.

Dasent's attorney has not responded to a request for comment.

The murder was the first in South Burlington since 2018, South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke said in a press conference Monday.

There is also evidence that points to Dasent being involved with the Sept. 28 gunfire incident in City Hall Park although this case is still under investigation, said Acting Chief Jon Murad of the Burlington Police Department on Monday.

Contact Urban Change Reporter Lilly St. Angelo at lstangelo@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @lilly_st_ang