Jason Eaton, 49, is accused of shooting three Palestinian and Palestinian-American males in Burlington, Vermont, on November 25, 2023. The incident occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday and has sparked widespread public concern owing to its potential ramifications for hate crimes. Eaton faces three counts of attempted murder and has been imprisoned without bond at the Northwest State Correctional Facility since his arrest. Eaton's competency to stand trial was determined at a recent court hearing following a psychological evaluation. His defense attorney requested an extension of the depositions until June 2025, but the prosecution pushed for a shorter extension. All three victims survived, however Hisham Awartani sustained severe injuries that resulted in partial paralysis. The court has set deadlines for both parties to finish their depositions by May 31, 2025, with a status conference slated for early March 2025. If convicted, Eaton risks 20 years to life in prison.
I've been waiting for you.
Jason Eaton. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). White River Junction, VT. November 18, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.
Overview of Jason Eaton’s Case
Jason Eaton is a 49-year-old man accused of shooting three Palestinian and Palestinian-American men in Burlington, Vermont, on November 25, 2023. The incident occurred as the victims were walking home during the Thanksgiving holiday. The three men—Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Aliahmad—were all 20 years old at the time and had been friends since high school in the West Bank. They were visiting family in Burlington when they were shot.
They were walking on North Prospect Street on the evening of Nov. 25, speaking a mix of Arabic and English and wearing keffiyehs, a traditional scarf that is a symbol of Palestinian identity, authorities have said, when Eaton approached them from a nearby porch and allegedly shot all three.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Eaton has been charged with three counts of attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty to these charges and has been held without bail at the Northwest State Correctional Facility since his arrest shortly after the shooting. The case has garnered significant attention due to its potential implications regarding hate crimes, particularly given that the shooting occurred shortly after heightened tensions related to conflicts involving Palestinians.
During a recent court hearing, it was determined that Eaton is competent to stand trial following a psychological evaluation. His defense attorney requested an extension for depositions until June 2025, citing insufficient time to prepare adequately. However, the prosecution argued for a shorter extension, emphasizing that they have already lined up numerous witnesses for trial testimony.
Victims’ Condition and Impact
All three victims survived the shooting; however, one of them, Hisham Awartani, suffered severe injuries resulting in partial paralysis due to a bullet lodged in his spine. This aspect of the case highlights not only the physical impact on the victims but also raises questions about potential motivations behind the attack.
Trial Timeline and Future Hearings
The court has set deadlines for both parties to complete their depositions by May 31, 2025. A status conference is scheduled for early March 2025 to assess progress before moving toward trial proceedings. If convicted of attempted murder, Eaton faces a sentence ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.
Conclusion
The case against Jason Eaton continues to evolve as legal proceedings unfold. With significant public interest surrounding issues of race and identity tied to this incident, it remains crucial for both sides to prepare thoroughly for what could be a complex trial.
VIDEO: Man Pleads NOT GUILTY For Shooting 3 Palestinian Students | https://youtu.be/y7BBSzD-FYw
VIDEO: Brown students hold vigil after classmate injured in Vermont shooting | https://youtu.be/mdIhi65gxnQ
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