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November 19, 2009

Investigation continues into couple's death

From staff reports

DERRY — Autopsies were completed this week on an elderly couple who died Sunday in an apparent murder-suicide at their home.

Derry police responded to a 911 call at 10 Shilah Drive at 5:22 a.m. and found Claude Roberts, 76, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. His wife, Judith Roberts, 73, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

Judith Roberts was taken to a Massachusetts hospital, where she died late yesterday afternoon, according to Derry police and the attorney general's office.

The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Mr. Roberts died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. His manner of death was suicide. The Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that Mrs. Roberts died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. Her manner of death was homicide.

Jeffrey Strelzin, chief of the homicide unit for the Attorney General's office, said one of the Roberts called 911.

Police continue to investigate the incident, which authorities believe is related to the couple's health issues and concerns.

"They were a wonderful couple. He adored her and she adored him," said next-door neighbor Carmen Robbe.

Whether the couple has a history of domestic violence is something that's being investigated, but this case is "more related to medical conditions of people involved," Strelzin said.

"It appears to be related to medical issues they were experiencing," Strelzin said. "They both had medical issues. That's something we're looking into further."

Strelzin said he believes the couple had three children. Authorities have been in contact with the couple's family, he said.

Police said the investigation is continuing.

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Investigation continues into couple's death
by From staff reports , , Thu Nov 19, 2009, 06:29 AM EST
Crime / Court

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