New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
May 18, 2023

Contact:
Michael S. Garrity, Director of Communications
michael.s.garrity@doj.nh.gov | (603) 931-9375

Joshua L. Speicher, Assistant Attorney General
Joshua.L.Speicher@doj.nh.gov | (603) 271-3671

Meghan C. Hagaman, Senior Assistant Attorney General
Meghan.C.Hagaman@doj.nh.gov | (603) 271-3671

Autopsy Results in the Homicide of John Kratz, Jr. and Arraignment of John Kratz

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Derry Police Chief George Feole announce that an autopsy has been completed on the body of John Kratz, Jr. (age 64). Mr. Kratz, Jr.'s body was discovered in the Lobster Claw II restaurant at 4 S. Main St. in Derry on May 17, 2023.

The autopsy was conducted by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg. Dr. Weinberg concluded that the cause of Mr. Kratz, Jr.'s death was a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of his death was homicide.

On May 18, 2023, John Kratz (age 27) was arraigned in Rockingham County Superior Court on a charge of Second Degree Murder for knowingly causing the death of Mr. Kratz, Jr. by shooting him in the head with a gun. Mr. Kratz was held without bail, and he retains the right to request a bail hearing at a later date. A later status hearing will be scheduled by the Court in the ordinary course of scheduling.

The charges and allegations against Mr. Kratz are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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