Update on Suspicious Death Investigation in Easton, New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce further information related to the September 28, 2024 suspicious death in Easton, New Hampshire.

On September 28, 2024, at 11:41am, 911 dispatchers received a phone call for a medical emergency at 44 North Peak Drive in Easton. Upon arriving at the residence, State Police entered and found Cynthia Lanchester (age 76) laying on the ground, deceased. She appeared to be suffering from a blunt force trauma wound. State Police also encountered Ms. Lanchester's grandson, Joshua Lanchester (age 23).

This evening Mr. Lanchester was arrested and charged with one count of Second-Degree Murder, contrary to RSA 630:1-b, I(b), 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. An autopsy is also scheduled to take place on Sunday.

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.