New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2018

Contact:
John J. Kennedy
Assistant Attorney General
(603) 271-3671
Jane E. Young
Deputy Attorney General

Indictments of James Belyea for the Murder of James LaPrade and Attempted Murder of Denise Belyea

New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announces that on July 19, 2018, a Strafford County Superior Court indicted James Belyea, age 17, of Farmington, New Hampshire, for First-Degree Murder and Second-Degree Murder for causing the death of James LaPrade on March 15, 2017, in Farmington, New Hampshire. Mr. Belyea was also indicted for Attempted Murder for the shooting of his mother, Denise Belyea.

Mr. Belyea has been indicted for First-Degree Murder for purposely causing the death of James LaPrade by shooting him in the head with a gun. Mr. Belyea has also been indicted on an additional alternative count of Second-Degree Murder for recklessly causing the death of James LaPrade, under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life, by shooting him in the head with a gun.

Mr. Belyea has been indicted for Attempted Murder for repeatedly firing a handgun at his mother, Denise Belyea, striking her in the process, with a purpose that the crime of murder be committed.

Mr. Belyea's arraignment on these charges is scheduled for August 2, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at the Strafford County Superior Court.

The charges and allegations in the indictments are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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