NH Woman Accused Of Beheading Lover At Behest Of Husband

JAFFREY, NH — Armando Barron, 30, of Jaffrey was arrested on a capital murder charges Friday in connection to the death of a Keene man who went missing last week.

Details of the complicated and gruesome case occurred across several days and in several parts of New Hampshire.

Jonathan Amerault, 25, was reported missing by his mother when he did not show up to work. His employer indicated that a coworker, Britany Barron, had also failed to show up to work, according to court documents. It was shared with investigators that it was believed she was involved in a romantic relationship with Amerault despite being married to another man, later identified as Armando Barron.

Details in court paperwork state Armando Barron had discovered she was having an extramarital affair by looking at her cell phone. When he discovered, this he confronted her and, according to paperwork, assaulted her and continued to assault her across a period of days.

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In a court affidavit released Friday, investigator said Britany Barron was found at a remote campsite by NH Fish and Game officers who advised her that she was trespassing and needed to move on. She told officers, “I am in big trouble”

A tarp was discovered at the campsite which was bound and appeared to be in the shape of a body. It was later discovered to be the torso of Amerault. A second tarp was located which contained what appeared to be the head, later identified as Amerault.

Authorities secured the campsite and other agencies were contacted.

The assistant deputy medical examiner examined the body at the scene. He indicated it appeared the body had been removed with a “saw like” blade versus a chopping type weapon. He discovered that the victim also had puncture wounds to his wrist but could not determine if it was pre or post-mortem.

Britany Barron was interviewed by authorities and gave an outline of what happened.

She indicated, court documents stated, that on Sept. 19, Armando Barron discovered the information in the cell phone indicating an affair with Amerault. He confronted Britany Barron and assaulted her in their residence, the report said.

Armando Barron used her cell phone to lure Amerault to Annett Park in Jaffrey. When Amerault arrived, Armando violently assaulted him, the report said. Armando Barron then placed a gun in Britany’s hand and ordered her to kill him, she alleged. She would not put her finger on the trigger though, investigators said.

Armando Barron then ordered Britany Barron to place her foot on Jonathan’s neck to kill him, she said. She indicated in the interview she did not apply enough pressure to kill him.

Armando Barron ordered Amerault to get into the back hatch of his car and a short time later, Armando Barron told Britany Barron he had shot Jonathan twice to the chest and once to the head using a .45 caliber weapon, investigators said.

Armando Barron and Britany Barron returned to their residence where he ordered her to pack for camping. Armando Barron then followed Britany Barron in a separate vehicle and they traveled to the North Country.

They stopped at what Britany Barron thought was a general store. They purchased 2 tarps, lighter fluid, cleaner and a shovel. They then traveled to the area later identified as the campsite.

Armando Barron ordered Britany Barron to cut Amerault's head off so that dental records could not be used to identify him, investigators wrote. A small grave hole was dug and the head was placed in it and covered with gravel.

Armando Barron went to the Colebrook IGA where he purchased a new shovel and groceries, she claimed, and indicated he would driving to Keene to send text messages to Amerault's phone saying everything was OK.

Armando Barron told Britany Barron he was leaving and expected the body to be disposed of while he was gone, the affidavit said.

Armando Barron left a handgun in a backpack with Britany Barron for her to use for protection. It appears, according to investigators, to be the handgun later found on Britany Barron when Fish and Game approached her.

As information was detailed, investigators spoke to Armando Barron on the phone and asked to meet with him, the report said. He indicated he did not want to meet at a police station because he had his 9-year-old with him and didn’t want her to see him with the police.

Information was developed that Armando Barron was driving a different vehicle and did not intend to meet with police. A be-on-the-lookout call was put out for the vehicle, and it was spotted in New Hampshire State Police Troop F's area. It was pulled over and Armando Barron and a child were in the vehicle. He was taken into custody and interviewed further by police.

On Friday, the NH Attorney General's office announced the arrest of both Britany Barron and Armando Barron. Britany Barron was charged with three counts of falsifying physical evidence. The charges which include capital murder for Armando Barron are outlined here.

On Friday both Britany and Armando Barron appeared in front of a judge via court video proceedings. Both were ordered to be held on preventative detention, not allowing them any chance of bail at this time.

This article will continue to be updated as more information is developed.