AG: NH woman died of ‘ligature strangulation,’ husband charged with murder

CONCORD, New Hampshire — A 78-year-old New Hampshire woman whose husband has been charged in her murder died of “ligature strangulation,” the chief medical examiner has determined.

Marlene Couture was killed at her residence at 71 S. Spring Street in Concord on Friday, Attorney General John M. Formella said.

An autopsy completed Saturday listed the cause of her death as “ligature strangulation” and the manner of her death as homicide.

The victim’s husband, Philip Couture, 77, of Concord, New Hampshire, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with his wife’s death, and one count of second-degree assault.

He was arrested after police responded to the couple’s home for a reported homicide at approximately 1:45 p.m. Friday.

Philip Couture is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday at Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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