Former Middletown volleyball coach killed in Vermont group home

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island College officials confirmed the death of one of its graduates after they were reportedly murdered while working in a Brattleboro, Vermont group home.

RIC said the identity of the victim is Leah Rosin-Pritchard, a 2019 BSW graduate.

Brattleboro police said on April 3, at approximately 9:25 a.m., they responded to a Royal Road residence for a report of someone being attacked with an axe.

When first responders arrived on scene, they confirmed the victim, Rosin-Pritchard, was dead.

Brattleboro police further stated they located another person involved in the reported attack, identified as Zaaina Asra Zakirrah Mahvish-Jammeh, 38, who was taken into custody.

The Windham County State’s Attorney said, “what hits personal for me is that there are definitely larger community conversations that we need to have, but we can’t escape, and we can’t ignore, and we can’t disrespect that fact that someone lost their life yesterday.”

Mahvish-Jammeh was held without bail after their arraignment on April 4. She is also awaiting a competency screening. The judge said Mahvish-Jammeh is a danger to herself and others.

Officials from Middletown Public Schools confirmed to ABC6 News that Rosin-Pritchard was a volleyball coach for Middletown High School.

Rosin-Prichard’s father also worked for Middletown High School as a teacher, officials said.

The school department offered their thoughts, prayers and support to the Prichard family. The Superintendent adding Rosin-Pritchard was an excellent volleyball player and coach. Rhode Island College declined to comment at this time, out of respect for her family and the tragic nature of her death.

The group home Rosin-Pritchard worked at, Groundworks Collaborative, issued a statement saying “Leah Rosin-Pritchard is irreplaceable. She was a wonderfully strong, positive, beautiful and compassionate person who gave generously of her spirit and skills in support of all Morningside house residents and her professional colleagues. There are no words to express the depth of loss felt by her Groundworks teammates.”

Officials said the investigations is active and ongoing.