Somersworth Shooting: 1 Man Fatally Shot, 2nd Man Expected To Survive

SOMERSWORTH, NH — Somersworth Police, fire, and Stewarts Ambulance responded to a report of a shooting at 97 High St. Monday.

Upon arrival at about 7:30 p.m., they found Jeffrey Prouty, 36, suffering life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound, as well as a 31-year-old man who was found injured from what appeared to be non-fatal, non-gunshot wounds inside a common hallway. The men were both transported to a local hospital, where Prouty succumbed to his injuries. The 31-year-old man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital.

An autopsy conducted earlier today in Concord by New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner Jennie V. Duval revealed that Mr. Prouty’s cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the chest, and the manner of his death was homicide.

The area surrounding the scene was surrounded with crime scene tape, and New Hampshire State Police Major Crime was requested to respond and assist in the investigation.

On Tuesday morning, Somersworth police blocked off the street and provided scene security while Major Crime Investigators photographed, collected evidence, and documented the scene. Investigators also photographed several areas inside the house and removed several evidence collection bags. The front steps of the multi-unit building were covered with a large amount of blood, evidence markers, and an orange plastic bucket.

Somersworth police and state troopers brought three people to the scene in a cruiser and escorted them close to the crime scene tape. One of the people appeared to have injuries and was wrapped in what seemed to be a hospital blanket.

The Major Crime Unit cleared the scene at about 10 a.m., and Somersworth Police remained at the scene.

Evidence revealed to date shows that both men were involved in a verbal argument immediately prior to the shooting, and the investigation currently includes determining whether the person who shot Mr. Prouty acted in self-defense.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance. Several witnesses were present during the argument between the two men moments before the shooting but then left the area without speaking with responding officers. Investigators are asking any and all individuals who saw the event but have not yet spoken with police to call the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit at (603) 223-3856 or send an email to MCU@dos.nh.gov.

People may also call the Somersworth Police Department at (603) 692-3131.

Patch.com will provide updates as more information becomes available.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news