Autopsy Results in Easton, New Hampshire Homicide Investigation

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce further information on the investigation into the September 28, 2024 murder of Cynthia Lanchester (age 76) in Easton, New Hampshire.

Earlier today, an autopsy was conducted by Associate Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Abigail Alexander. Dr. Alexander determined that the cause of Mrs. Lanchester’s death was blunt force trauma to the head, and the manner of death was homicide.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation. Investigators are continuing to look into the sequence of events involving Mrs. Lanchester's grandson, Joshua Lanchester (age 23), who was arrested Saturday and charged with one count of Second-Degree Murder for recklessly causing the death of Cynthia Lanchester with a deadly weapon, a hammer.

Mr. Lanchester is currently being held without bail and an arraignment is anticipated to be scheduled on Monday, September 30, 2024, in the 2nd Circuit Court - District Division in Littleton.

The charges against Mr. Lanchester are only allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available while protecting the integrity of the investigation.