A Bath man has been arrested and charged with the murders of his sister-in-law and niece after a double shooting that took place Tuesday afternoon, according to officials with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.
Authorities said Bath police responded to a report of shots fired around 1 p.m. at 11 Tyler Way. When officers arrived, they found two women, identified as Cindy Moody, 67, and her daughter, Kristal Moody, 39, dead at the scene.
Both victims appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. Police said 73-year-old Charles “Chuck” Readey was taken into custody at the residence after being found armed with a firearm. According to court documents, Bath Police Chief Todd Eck arrived first at the scene and called out to Readey.
“I’m over here,” Readey reportedly responded. Chief Eck then saw him standing behind a shed with a rifle pointed toward his own face. The documents state that Chief Eck repeatedly ordered Readey to put the gun down, telling him that officers could not assist the victims until he complied, as per WMUR-TV.
Readey allegedly replied, “You can’t help them now.” After several moments, Readey lowered the weapon and was placed under arrest without further incident, according to the affidavit. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Readey has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder for “knowingly causing the death of Kristal Moody and Cindy Moody.”
Police have not yet released a possible motive for the killings or said what relationship dynamics may have led to the tragedy. Autopsies for both victims are scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Investigators remained at the scene through the evening, collecting evidence and interviewing neighbors. Authorities described the incident as isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public. Residents of the small Bath community expressed shock and sadness over the violent events.
Neighbors told reporters that the family had lived in the area for several years and were generally quiet and friendly. As of Tuesday night, Readey was being held in custody and is expected to be arraigned later this week in Grafton County Superior Court.
The New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit and Bath Police Department are continuing to investigate the case in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office. Officials said additional details would be released as the investigation progresses.