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AG Investigating Police-Involved Death of Epping Man

Appleswitch via Flickr Creative Commons

The New Hampshire Attorney General's office is continuing its investigation into the death of a man in Epping during a confrontation with a state trooper.

The man who was killed has been identified as 40-year-old Walter Welch, Jr. of Epping.

An autopsy revealed that he died of gunshot wounds to the head but the details are still under investigation.

The AG’s office says on Saturday night, a trooper responded to a 911 call about an erratic driver in a white pickup truck near Route 101.

The trooper spotted a truck of that description pulled over on a nearby road.

Authorities say the trooper fired his weapon during an encounter with Welch, but have not said how Welch died. Neighbors report hearing 5 to 6 shots.

The state says a gun was found in Welch’s hand on the scene.

Relatives and friends of Welch expressed shock, saying Welch was responsible and well-liked.

The trooper involved was not injured and is on leave. His name has not been released, pending an interview with investigators.

Sarah Gibson joined NHPR's newsroom in 2018. She reports on education and demographics.
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