Granite State Times

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Nathan A. Noyes, and Franklin Police Chief David B. Goldstein announce that autopsies were completed on June 4, 2023 on the bodies of Nicole Hughes (age 35) and Ariella Bell (age 1½). Ms. Hughes' and her daughter's bodies were found in their residence at 124 Elkins Street in Franklin on June 3, 2023. Additionally, an autopsy was conducted on the body of Jamie Bell (age 42), the suspect in the homicides of Ms. Hughes and Ariella. His body was found on the bank of the Merrimack River in Franklin in the area of River Street.

The autopsies were conducted by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Mitchell Weinberg.

Dr. Weinberg determined that the cause of Ms. Hughes' death was multiple gunshot wounds, and that the manner of her death was homicide. He further determined that the cause of Ariella's death was multiple gunshot wounds, and that the manner of her death was homicide. 

Dr. Weinberg determined that the cause of Mr. Bell's death was a single, self-inflicted incised wound of the neck, and that the manner of his death was suicide.

The investigation into the homicides of Ms. Hughes and her daughter, Ariella, continues. It is believed, however, that Mr. Bell shot and killed them both before fleeing and eventually taking his own life. Further information will be provided if and when it becomes available.

Original source can be found here.