Authorities in New Hampshire have arrested and charged Brian Roberge, 52, with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 79-year-old Jan VanTassel. The incident occurred in a Walmart parking lot in Somersworth, where police responded to reports of an assault. Upon arrival, officers found VanTassel unresponsive with severe head and facial injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy determined the cause of death to be compressional asphyxia, consistent with witness statements indicating Roberge was on top of VanTassel's chest, striking him repeatedly. Roberge pleaded not guilty during a court appearance via video link. He is currently being held without bail due to what the judge described as "compelling evidence." The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time.
Image caption: Illustrative image of a Walmart store. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
