Cause of death of NH mom, baby daughter ruled homicide; father killed himself on riverbank, AG says

BOSTON — Autopsies have confirmed that a mother and her baby daughter found dead in their Franklin, New Hampshire, home Saturday were murdered, authorities said.

The suspect, the infant’s father, killed himself on the banks of the Merrimack River after shooting the family in their Elkins Street home, according to law enforcement officials.

Investigators say 42-year-old Jamie Bell shot and killed his partner, 35-year-old Nicole Hughes, and their 1-and-a-half-year-old daughter Ariella Bell.

Hughes’ 5-year-old daughter from a previous relationship was also shot in the arm and transported to Boston’s Children’s Hospital. She is expected to survive.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office says first responders were called to a report of gunshots in the area of 124 Elkins Street at about 12:15 p.m. Saturday.

Bell was identified as a suspect and investigators began a five-hour manhunt for Bell before finding his body with a self-inflicted cut to his neck.

The AG’s office said there is no evidence any other suspect was involved in the deadly shooting. A motive was not immediately made clear.

An investigation remains ongoing

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

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group