Grandson charged with murder after Easton woman killed with hammer
Sep. 29—A 76-year-old grandmother was killed in her home with a hammer Saturday in Easton, and her grandson has been charged with murder, authorities said.
Joshua Lanchester, 23, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for "recklessly causing the death" of his grandmother Cynthia Lanchester, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella said in a news release.
Investigators responded to a call for medical help at 11:41 a.m. Saturday at 44 North Peak Drive in Easton. State Police troopers found Cynthia Lanchester lying on the floor, dead.
Associate Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Abigail Alexander conducted the autopsy Sunday and determined the cause of death was blunt-force trauma to the head, and the manner of death was homicide.
Joshua Lanchester was at the home when police arrived, but he does not live there, officials said. Additional information about the incident, including Joshua Lanchester's residence, was not released.
The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, officials said. Investigators are continuing to look into the sequence of events involving Joshua Lanchester, a spokesman for the AG's Office said in a written statement Sunday night.
Joshua Lanchester was arrested Saturday night and was held without bail pending an arraignment, which is scheduled for Monday in the 2nd Circuit Court, District Division in Littleton.
