New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
December 27, 2017

Contact:
Jeffery A. Strelzin, Senior Assistant Attorney General
Chief, Homicide Unit
Via email: jeffery.strelzin@doj.nh.gov
At the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office: (603) 271-3671

Disclosure of the Trooper's name from the December 23, 2017 officer involved shooting incident in Canaan, New Hampshire

Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Christopher J. Wagner announce the names of the law enforcement officers involved in the shooting incident on December 23, 2017 in Canaan, New Hampshire that resulted in the death of Jesse J. Champney (age 26) of Enfield, New Hampshire.

The officer who discharged his firearm was Trooper Christopher O'Toole. He is assigned to the Troop F New Hampshire State Police barracks.

The other law enforcement officer who was present during the incident was Canaan Police Officer Samuel Provenza. Officer Provenza did not discharge his firearm during the incident.

The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain actively under investigation. It is anticipated that a preliminary report regarding whether Trooper O'Toole's use of deadly force was justified will be released once the investigation is completed.

Pursuant to New Hampshire State Police protocol, Trooper O'Toole remains on paid administrative leave.

New Hampshire Department of Justice
1 Granite Place South | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658