Farmington teen indicted in shooting death of man, attempted murder of mom

Staff reports 12:26 p.m.


Farmington teen indicted in shooting death of man, attempted murder of mom

CONCORD - New Hampshire's Attorney General announced today that on Thursday a Strafford County Superior Court indicted a Farmington teenager in the death of another man in March 2017.

James Belyea, 17, now stands formally charged with both first- and second-degree murder in the death of James LaPrade on March 15, 2017, in Farmington.

Belyea was also indicted for attempted murder for the shooting of his mother, Denise Belyea.

Belyea's indictment for first-degree murder says he purposely caused the death of LaPrade by shooting him in the head with a gun. Belyea has also been indicted on an additional alternative count of second-degree murder for recklessly causing the death of LaPrade, under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life, by shooting him in the head with a gun.

Additionally, Belyea has been indicted for attempted murder for repeatedly firing a handgun at his mother, striking her in the process, with a purpose that the crime of murder be committed, court records indicate.

Belyea's arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 2 at 12:30 p.m. at the Strafford County Superior Court.

The charges and allegations in the indictments are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.