AG: Hooksett couple death ruled a murder-suicide
The investigation continues by the NH Attorney General’s office.
HOOKSETT, NH – Results of an autopsy conducted on a Hooksett couple found dead inside their home Thursday reveals their deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.
New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Christopher J. Wagner, and Hooksett Police Chief Janet Bouchard made the announcement Friday.
At approximately 2:43 p.m. on Nov. 15 Hooksett police officers responded to 39 Post Road in Hooksett for the reported discovery of two bodies inside the home. Officers discovered the two residents of the home, Diane McLaughlin, 68, and Donald McLaughlin, 58, were deceased from gunshot wounds. Officers noted that a written will was discovered sitting out in the room where both individuals were found.
An autopsy was conducted Friday by Associate Medical Examiner Christine R. James. Dr. James determined that the cause of Diane McLaughlin’s death was a gunshot wound to the head and determined the manner of death was homicide. Dr. James determined that the cause of Donald McLaughlin’s death was a gunshot wound to the head and determined the manner of death was suicide. Based on this information and the investigation to date, it appears that Mr. McLaughlin shot and killed his wife and then killed himself.
The investigation into this matter will continue, however no further information is expected while final toxicology testing is being completed.
