Manhunt Continues For Murder Suspect; Shelter Changes Policies

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester police officers continued their manhunt on Tuesday for Timothy Johnson, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Johnson is wanted for the murder of Jean Lascelle who was killed outside a Manchester homeless shelter on Chestnut Street.

MPD and New Hampshire State Police searched for Johnson for several hours on Monday but the suspect still remains on the run. Johnson was believed to be in one of the several homeless camps off Huse Road and South Willow Street. At one point, a state police helicopter hovered directly above a tent ordering Johnson to come out. Later the tent was cleared by police on the ground and no one was in the tent.

Manchester police also announced a $1,500 reward for Johnson on Monday, and published a new flyer from Manchester Crime Line with photos of the suspect.

Several people have confirmed seeing Johnson in restaurants, bars, and a cigar shop during the days before the murder.

At the temporary winter homeless shelter on Chestnut Street where Lascelle was killed a small memorial lays on the steps, with a balloon attached to the railing. The same steps are where Lascelle was killed on Saturday.

Families In Transition who operates the shelter in a statement said, “During this time, we pause and acknowledge the horrific circumstances of this event and extend our deepest condolences to family and friends who are mourning his death. Our thoughts are also with our emergency shelter participants and shelter support staff who were shaken by the nature of this incident and its impact and close proximity to our programs.”

On Tuesday, Families In Transition announced several procedures are being changed for entry and admission into their shelters. They did not elaborate but said they were taking steps to assure the safety of their clients and staff.

A significant change is that the Families In Transition outreach team that visits homeless camps daily will cease in-person visits to the camps temporarily. Families In Transition also announced no new clients will be accepted at the Chestnut Street shelter until further notice.

Families In Transition advised people in the encampments can come to the shelters for assistance, or call 211 for help they may need.

Maria Devlin President and CEO of Families In Transition said, “It is essential that we not let this tragedy discourage the work of the Families in Transition staff in the community or let it overshadow the importance of our efforts each and every day. Our team's commitment to the mission of preventing and breaking the cycle of homelessness is the lifeblood of our programs. We thank them, and we collectively pledge to continue this work unwaveringly.”

Manchester Police ask anyone with information on the location of Timothy Johnson to call Manchester Police at 603-668-8711. They remind people not to approach Johnson he is considered Armed and Dangerous.

Patch will update as more information becomes available

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news