Likely 'Psychotic Episode' in Rolfe Murder Case

The sad, yet untold, story behind the murder of Judith Rolfe, allegedly at the hands of her brother, is summarized in a simple statement by Duane Rolfe's public defender, attorney Timothy Landry, submitted to Hillsborough County Superior Court:

"It is alleged that Mr. Rolfe brutally murdered his sister with a blunt object. Tragically, this is someone for whom he harbored no animosity and whom he held dear. There appears to be no rational or understandable motive for the crime."

That statement appears in paperwork submitted to the court in the State v. Duane Rolfe – Rolfe stands accused of killing his sister Jan. 19 with several blows to the head using a blunt object inside the Nashua home they shared.

According to forensic psychologist Dr. Philip Kinsler, Rolfe, 65, was likely suffering from "schizophrenia or schizo-effective disorder" at the time of his sister’s death. Public defenders have filed a motion requesting Rolfe use an insanity defense at trial.

Additional statements by Landry detail Rolfe's mental health issues, saying he was apparently "delusional and unable to appreciate whether his actions were morally and/or legally right or wrong at the time he acted," adding that he "was legally insane under RSA 628:2 at time of alleged offense."

A request for $4,000 was filed by the defense team so Kinsler can finish assessing Rolfe's mental state.

State Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati, who is handling the prosecution, has told the court that the state also will have an expert evaluate Rolfe’s mental competency to stand trial.