Addison Formally Sentenced to Death

When Michael Briggs’s mother, Maryanne Briggs, rose to speak to her son’s murderer, she reminded him of an incident that took place several years ago.

Standing at a podium not far from where Michael Addison sat, she read an account of how her son came to Addison’s aid.

BRIGGS: It was my son who came to your rescue even at the risk of being shot himself by the man who shot you. Officer Briggs rendered medical aid to you, helped you at the hospital and took steps to assist in capturing the man who put a bullet into you, and this is the way you repay him.

And MaryAnn Briggs added, memory of her son will live on, but Addison, she said, will be forgotten.

BRIGGS: ….. Your name will never be uttered from my lips again. Isn't that a good thing, Mr. Addison? You will not be a memory nor a part of our history. You and only you are to blame for the sentence you received. I will not look back and feel anything for you other than justice was done.

Addison looked down at the table where he sat, even after the judge told him to look at Maryann Briggs as she spoke.

Nor did he look at either of Briggs's two sisters, who expressed their anger and feelings of loss.

Addison had entered the courtroom appearing deflated and downcast.

Unlike during the trial, his shirt was untucked in the back.

Addison's family members, who had attended the trial a handful of times and several of whom had testified during the trial, were absent.

Judge Kathleen McGuire also sentenced Addison today for several crimes he committed in the week before he killed Briggs.

She imposed a maximum of 63 years in prison for those crimes.

And then she addressed him regarding his death sentence.

McGuire: I want you to know there was no joy in the jury's verdict. They imposed a sentence they thought was warranted under all of the circumstances, and that's death. Even this most harsh of sentences, however, will never bring officer Briggs back to his family. It certainly can never make them whole. This is a very sad day, really, a sad end to this phase

She then read the written order, as imposed by the jury on December 18.

McGuire: Accordingly, Mr. Addison, you are hereby sentenced to death.

Addison left the courtroom in handcuffs, escorted by the guards who have accompanied him throughout the trial.

The defense has promised to appeal the decision on several grounds.

They argue their client could not get a fair trial in Manchester because of community sentiment against him.

Attorney General Kelly Ayotte says her office will respond to any appeal filed by the defense.

AYOTTE: … I think it was handled very fairly. the judge is a very fair judge and reviewed every motion very carefully and wrote a very detailed written order on every single motion, so I do feel that he got a very fair trial in accordance with the law.

Under NH law, the death penalty is carried out by lethal injection. Death by hanging is still on the books.

But Addison’s execution is expected to be years away as the case works its way through the appeals process.
For NHPR News, I'm Ellen Grimm.