October 19, 1991 Concord, New Hampshire James Colbert strangles his estranged wife and smothers their three young daughters Colbert and his wife, Mary Jayne Jenovese, had married three years before the murders, though their marriage became strained almost immediately. In August of 1991, Jenovese reported Colbert had cut her with a razor blade. Colbert allegedly…
Female serial poisoner found not guilty by reason of insanity, sentenced to mental hospital
June 23, 1902 New Hampshire Jane Toppan is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the morphine overdose murders of 31 patients Toppan tended to the Davis family who were afflicted with a bout of bad luck: Captain and Mrs. Davis and their 2 adult daughters all died within 6 weeks of each other…
First 2 people executed in New Hampshire, both women found guilty of killing their children
December 27, 1739 New Hampshire The first two people to be executed in New Hampshire, Sarah Simpson and Penelope Kenny, are hanged for the willful murder of their children The years leading to the executions and the murders that necessitated them, an illness (probably diphtheria) struck the area and saw a large portion of the…
Bear Brook murders
November 10, 1985 Allenstown, New Hampshire The first two bodies of murder victims are found stuffed in a steel drum in Bear Brook State Park The first victims, an adult woman and a young girl, were found by a hunter. Their bodies were wrapped in plastic and autopsies revealed they had died from blunt force…
Teen raped, murdered by grand-uncle
October 25, 1872 Northwood, New Hampshire 13-year-old Georgianna Lovering is raped and murdered by her great-uncle Franklin Evans was staying with his sister and her husband in Northwood at the same time the couple's granddaughter was visiting. During this time, Evans made "improper advances" on his teenaged grandniece. He also set up traps in the…