STATE V JASON EATON PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BURLINGTON, VT – On November 25, 2023, Hisham Awartani, Tahseen Aliahmad, and Kinnan Abdalhamid, were in Burlington Vermont visiting Hisham’s family. They went out for a walk around the neighborhood when a man approached them with a firearm and started shooting at them. Mr. Awartani was struck in the thumb and the chest, paralyzing him. Mr. Aliahmad was struck in the chest. Mr. Abdalhamid was struck in the glute while running away. On November 26, 2023, Jason J. Eaton was arrested by the Burlington Police Department and charged with three counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder. He was subsequently arraigned on those charges.
On Monday September 14, 2026, a jury trial commenced in the Chittenden Superior Court, lasting until September 21, 2026. Today, after two hours of deliberation, a jury found Mr. Eaton guilty of all three counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, rejecting his insanity defense. Mr. Eaton faces a sentence of up to life without parole, with a presumptive minimum term of 20 years to serve on each count.
The State is incredibly thankful to the members of our community who served as jurors and handled their duty as triers of facts with the utmost care, as well as those who testified at trial and members of the BPD, ATF, and the FBI, for their thorough investigations and partnership through the duration of this prosecution.
Today’s verdict affirms that our Justice system works best when truth is brought to light and accountability is upheld. The convictions in this case are not just a legal outcome – they are recognition of the harm done and a step toward healing for the victims, their families, and our entire community. While no verdict can undo the pain caused, it can help restore a sense of safety and trust. Our office remains committed to working together to prevent future harm, protect the vulnerable and the oppressed, and uphold the principles of Justice for all.
Finally, and most importantly, the State sends its deepest gratitude to Hisham, Tahseen, Kinnan, and their incredible families. The patience, kindness, and grace they have consistently shown since the day this occurred is humbling. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to meet them, to get to know them, and to bring Justice to them.
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