Sentencing of Justin Belanger for the Murder of Billy Ahearn in Rochester, New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Rochester Police Chief Gary Boudreau announce that Justin Belanger (age 22), was sentenced today for killing Billy Ahearn (age 24).

Around midnight on June 5, 2018, Rochester Police responded to 911 calls in the area of 77 Main Street in Rochester. Upon arrival, they discovered Billy Ahearn laying on the sidewalk with an apparent gunshot wound to her hip. Ms. Ahearn was taken to a nearby hospital where she was ultimately pronounced dead. An autopsy later showed Ms. Ahearn died as a result of the gunshot wound to her hip.

Mr. Belanger was arrested and indicted for alternative counts of second-degree murder (knowing and reckless) for causing Ms. Ahearn's death. He was convicted by a jury following trial on October 1, 2021.

At today's sentencing hearing, upon hearing arguments from the parties, the Court imposed a sentence of from 30 years to life in the state prison, with the possibility of sentence reductions should Mr. Belanger attain specified behavior and educational goals.

This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley and Assistant Attorney General Adam L. Woods of the Criminal Justice Bureau, and was investigated by the Rochester Police Department.