Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Manchester Police Chief Allen D. Aldenberg announce that an autopsy has been completed on the body of Vernon Hayford, age 75, of Manchester, New Hampshire.

The autopsy was conducted by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg. Dr. Weinberg determined that Mr. Hayford’s cause of death was a stab wound to the chest, and that his manner of death was homicide.

On March 3, 2024, Carrie Drake, age 54, was arrested on one count of second-degree murder pursuant to RSA 630:1-b, I(b), charging her with recklessly causing the death of Vernon Hayford under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life by stabbing him. She is also charged with being a felon in possession of a deadly weapon, pursuant to RSA 159:3, and resisting arrest, pursuant to RSA 642:2.

On March 4, 2024, Ms. Drake waived arraignment on these charges. She continues to be held without bail.

The charges against Ms. Drake are only allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.