News and Events | Press release

Prof. Scherr Featured on TV Special: Execution in New Hampshire

Citizens of New Hampshire are rarely disturbed by reports of violent crime; murder is even more unusual.  Complacent lives have been rocked lately, however, by front-page headlines about two capital murder trials now underway.  Pierce Law's Professor Buzz Scherr is featured on a special television report Wednesday, October 1, that asks, "How Much Has Changed Since the Last Execution in New Hampshire?"

The two trials are the first capital murder cases heard in the state since the capital murder law was amended and will be a test of the statute, as well as the mindsets of citizens placed on the juries.

One case involves John A. Brooks, accused of planning the kidnap and murder of Jack Reid, Sr., whom he thought had stolen from him.  The other involves Michael K. Addison, accused of fatally shooting  Manchester police officer Michael L. Briggs.

New Hampshire has not executed anyone since 1939. Its last capital convictions were handed down in 1959, and prosecutors have brought capital murder charges in only three cases since 1972. Scherr was on the defense team for an individual charged with capital murder in the early '90s.

WMUR Channel 9 airs the report at 11 p.m. tonight.