Manchester Woman Who Fatally Shot Boyfriend In Manchester May Not Be Competent

MANCHESTER, NH - A Manchester woman accused of killing her boyfriend, Brennan Pelio, 27, in a condo on Silver Street in December 2024 is not fit to stand trial.

Alicia Castagnino Borges was indicted in April on two counts of second-degree murder for knowingly and recklessly causing the death when police say she fatally shot him in the head while he was playing a video game.

Castagnino Borges was ordered to undergo a competency hearing when she was arraigned and has been held in a secure unit at the New Hampshire State Prison on preventive detention.

In a sealed document, Judge Daniel Will determined she was unfit for trial after considering a 24-page motion filed by the Attorney General’s Office. He agreed with the defense, according to court records.

“The court determines that bona fide doubt exists regarding the defendant’s competency to stand trial,” the order reads. Castagnino Borges is referred to the forensic examiner for further evaluation.

After further evaluation and continued detention, she will return to court next March for a review to determine her status.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news