Concord, NH – Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Christopher J. Wagner, and Newport Police Chief James C. Burroughs announce that additional information is available regarding the ongoing investigation into the suspicious death in Newport, New Hampshire, which occurred on May 7, 2019.

Police involvement in the case began on the afternoon of May 7, 2019, when a 911 caller reported that a female had been shot at 553 Maple Street in Newport. Police responded to the scene and found a resident of the home, Margaret "Peggy" Clarke (age 75), deceased inside the residence.

An autopsy was performed today by Dr. Christine James of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Dr. James has determined that the cause of Ms. Clarke's death was a gunshot wound to the chest and the manner of her death is homicide.

The police believe they have identified all the parties involved in the incident, and there is no evidence to suggest that there is a threat to the general public.

Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant William Bright of the New Hampshire State Police at (603) 223-4381 or william.bright@dos.nh.gov.