Keene, New Hampshire – A tragic event unfolded in New Hampshire as Dustin Mark Duren, the father of two young girls, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of their mother, Caitlyn Naffziger. The New Hampshire attorney general’s office confirmed the arrest of Duren, 37, who is accused of shooting and killing Naffziger, 31, whose body was discovered in a Berlin apartment on Thursday night.
Following the grim discovery of Naffziger’s body, state police issued an Amber Alert for the couple’s 1- and 4-year-old daughters. The two girls were located unharmed at an Applebee’s in Keene on Friday, and Duren was apprehended without any resistance. A witness captured footage showing police instructing Duren to exit a white Subaru Impreza mentioned in the Amber Alert, with Duren complying peacefully.
Investigators revealed that a vigilant individual in the parking lot recognized the vehicle from the Amber Alert and promptly alerted the authorities. The young sisters were evaluated by medical professionals and deemed to be in good health. The community expressed concern and sympathy for the family, hoping for the well-being of the children and the healing of the affected families.
Throughout the morning, law enforcement vehicles congregated in front of the Berlin apartment where Naffziger’s body was discovered. A subsequent autopsy indicated that Naffziger had succumbed to a single gunshot wound to the head. The tragic incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m., prompting an initial police response, though the reasons behind it remain undisclosed.
The attorney general’s office confirmed Naffziger’s identity as the mother of the two girls under the Amber Alert. Details emerged about Duren’s connection to the area, with his vehicle displaying veteran’s plates and the apartment’s proximity to a VFW post. Surveillance footage from the VFW may provide insights into the events leading up to the tragedy and has been shared with law enforcement for investigation.
Duren is slated to appear in court for arraignment on Monday, as the community grapples with the aftermath of a heartbreaking series of events. The authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Naffziger’s untimely death, seeking justice for the victim and her young daughters.