New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2023

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

Adam L. Woods, Assistant Attorney General
Adam.L.Woods@doj.nh.gov | (603) 688-5618

Rachel C. Harrington, Assistant Attorney General

Update on Homicides in Nashua, New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke announce that autopsies were completed today on the bodies of Patricia Swett, age 45, of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Matthew Champagne, age 44, of Manchester, New Hampshire.

The autopsies were conducted by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg. Dr. Weinberg determined that Patricia Swett’s cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, and her manner of death was homicide. Dr. Weinberg further determined that Matthew Champagne’s cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, and his manner of death was homicide.

Around 10:30 p.m. on September 29, 2023, Nashua police officers responded to calls reporting gunshots in the area of the Maple Street parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ms. Swett and Mr. Champagne deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

Victor Rivera, age 47, of Nashua was arrested earlier today on two counts of second degree murder for knowingly causing the deaths of Ms. Swett and Mr. Champagne by shooting them with a firearm, and alternatively, on two counts of second degree murder for recklessly causing the deaths of Ms. Swett and Mr. Champagne under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life by shooting them with a firearm.

An arraignment is anticipated to be scheduled for some time on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Hillsborough County Superior Court – Southern District, in Nashua, at a time to be determined.

The charges and allegations against Mr. Rivera 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