New Hampshire Man Charged with Killing Unborn Child in Landmark Case

New Hampshire man charged with killing pregnant woman and her unborn child in a landmark case of murder of a fetus.

On Monday, March 18, in Carroll County Superior Court in Ossipee, 28-year-old William Kelly appeared with his lawyer, Caroline Smith, to face charges of killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child through multiple blunt force injuries. This marks the first instance in which the state has brought murder charges in connection with the death of a fetus.

Legal Proceedings

During the court appearance, William Kelly did not address the judge. His lawyer, Caroline Smith, stated that she intended to submit paperwork on Kelly's behalf, indicating that he was waiving his arraignment and pleading not guilty. At the same time, an email seeking comment was left for Smith.

Medical Examiner's Findings

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell Weinberg determined that the victim, Christine Falzone, was approximately 35 to 37 weeks pregnant at the time of her death in December. This tragic incident has drawn attention to a 2017 bill that defines a fetus at 20 weeks of development and beyond as a person for the purposes of criminal prosecution of murder. This bill, signed into law by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, came into effect in 2018.

Indictment and Legal Process

William Kelly, facing two counts of second-degree murder, was indicted by a Carroll County grand jury on Friday. The indictment alleges that he recklessly caused the deaths of both Christine Falzone and her unborn child. Legal representatives involved in the case have shared that they are awaiting the results of forensic tests and have agreed to schedule a hearing in June, with a potential trial date set for 2025.

Criminal History and Arrest

Kelly, who is currently held without bail, has a history of criminal convictions, with the most recent being for assault in 2019. It is worth noting that he was initially arrested in December on a single second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Christine Falzone.

Investigation and Unknown Details

Following the discovery of Christine Falzone unconscious and not breathing at the Ossipee home she shared with Kelly, authorities are still working to determine various details, including the paternity of the unborn child.

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