Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces that today Douglas Barton (age 41) pled guilty to one count of second-degree murder for killing C.E. (age 23 months).

On September 24, 2019, Mr. Barton physically assaulted C.E., his girlfriend's child. C.E. died as a result of blunt force trauma to his head.

As part of a negotiated disposition, Mr. Barton pleaded guilty to knowing second-degree murder and was sentenced to 35 years to life in the New Hampshire State Prison, with the ability to have 2 ½ years suspended after serving 15 years based upon good behavior and the successful completion of substance abuse treatment, anger management, and parenting classes.

The investigation and resolution of this case are the result of the collaborative efforts of the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, the New Hampshire State Police and the Loudon Police Department.