06/12/2026
Date: March 11, 2026
Case Number: 26ES001591
RE: Death at 179 Brigham Hill Road
UPDATE: June 12, 2026
The Essex Police and Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner have completed the death investigation of Stephen Campbell (76) who had been attacked by his daughter Janna Campbell’s pet dog, “Jack” on March 10, 2026. Further investigation revealed Jack had a known pattern of violent behavior and had injured several others prior to causing the death of Mr. Campbell.
Essex Police, with guidance from the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office, have arrested Janna Campbell (43) from Essex, Vermont. Janna was processed and released with a Flash Citation to appear at Chittenden County Superior Court, Criminal Division on June 16, 2026, to answer to the charges of Manslaughter and Reckless Endangerment.
Note: In Vermont, Law Enforcement has no control regarding bail or incarceration. Those matters are handled by the Judicial System, to include Judges, Court Clerks and the State's Attorney's Office.
_______________________________________________________________________
On March 10, 2026, at approximately 3:20PM, the Essex Police Department responded to the report of an animal attack at 179 Brigham Hill Rd in Essex Town. Essex Rescue and the Essex Town Fire Department responded also. Upon arrival, responders found that an elderly male resident of the home was attacked by a dog that resided there, suffered severe injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were other family members in the home at the time, including the owner of the dog who was able to stop the attack and secure the dog. The man who is deceased is identified as Stephen G. Campbell, 76 yo, of Essex. According to its rabies vaccination records, the dog is described as a large male pitbull breed.
EPD detectives and the VT Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating the circumstances of the incident, and the VT OCME will ultimately determine the manner and cause of death. The owner has voluntarily surrendered the dog to the custody of the Town via the Animal Control Officer and it will subsequently be relinquished to the Chittenden Humane Society today where it will be euthanized.
As stated above, the dog, ‘Jack’ who attacked the resident, was the subject of an Essex Town Selectboard hearing in January of this year for an attack on another male who had come to the residence to make a delivery. In that case, the male also suffered severe injuries and requested the hearing. In accordance with State law and local ordinance, with the case being heard as a ‘potentially vicious dog’ since it occurred on the premises of the dog’s residence, the Selectboard issued a ruling with several requirements for remedial action on the part of the owner. These included confinement of the animal when nonresidents came to the home, proper signage warning of the dog, training for the dog and owner, muzzling equipment for the animal, and more. Regular follow up with the owner has been completed and, to date, EPD believes the owner has complied with the orders of the Selectboard.
Issued by: Ron Hoague, Chief of Police
Case Officer: Detective Cpl. Brett Williger
