Hassan Haji faces second-degree murder charge after fatally stabbing Deng Dau in downtown Burlington.
Hassan Haji surrendered to police on Tuesday morning to face a charge of second-degree murder following a deadly stabbing in downtown Burlington. The 24-year-old from Winooski was involved in a fight with Deng Dau, 24, and Shuaib Mohamud, 22, behind Courthouse Plaza on Main Street early Saturday morning. Haji allegedly stabbed Dau once in the groin, leading to Dau's death at the hospital. Interim Police Chief Shawn Burke noted that officers were nearby and responded within seconds of the incidents. Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak reported that preliminary 2026 data shows aggravated assaults are down significantly compared to previous years. The city is addressing concerns about safety by expanding foot patrols and using a "hot spots" strategy to reduce violent crime. Investigations remain active as the Lake Champlain Chamber works to add business advocacy to the downtown area.