NH Death Penalty Retained After Governor Sununu Veto

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire will continue to be the only state in New England with the death penalty after Governor Chris Sununu vetoed a repeal bill on Thursday. Michael Addison, who shot and killed Manchester police Officer Michael Briggs in 2006, is currently the only person on death row in the state. Briggs' mother was present at the State House as Sununu vetoed the repeal bill, according to The Associated Press.

"Abolishing the death penalty in New Hampshire would send the wrong message to those who commit the most heinous offenses within our State's borders," Sununu said in a statement. "We are not, nor will we ever be a safe haven for those who commit the most unthinkable crimes."

The last person executed in New Hampshire was Howard Long in 1939. Long molested and murdered a 10-year-old Laconia boy.

Massachusetts lawmakers have recently discussed bringing back the death penalty after the murder of a Cape Cod police officer earlier this year. New York and New Jersey ban the death penalty. About three-fourths of states allow the death penalty.

Related:

• Massachusetts Lawmaker: Reinstate Death Penalty After Officer's Killing

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