By DAMIEN FISHER, InDepthNH.org
The Franklin community is grappling with the violent deaths of Nicole Hughes, 35, and her one and a half year old daughter, Ariella Bell, who were shot to death over the weekend by Jamie Bell.
Hughes’ five-year-old daughter Brina was also shot in the horrific incident that took place Saturday at the family home on Elkins Street. She survived the shooting, coming away with an arm injury.
People close to the Hughes family are now planning a candlelight vigil for the mother and daughter to take place Tuesday evening at the Bessie Rowell Baseball field in Franklin starting at 8 p.m.
Relatives of Nicole Hughes have taken in the surviving girl and are asking the public for privacy at this time, according to a notice announcing the vigil.
“Be kind. Have respect, even when you can’t possibly understand something. Remember a family is grieving and we don’t know what truly happened,” the notice states.
Jamie Bell, a convicted felon, entered the home Saturday evening heavily armed. During the shooting, Nicole Hughes and Ariella Bell, Jamie’s daughter, were both shot several times. An autopsy conducted by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg ruled the gunshot wounds were the cause of death.
Authorities believe Jamie Bell fled the home after he killed Hughes and his daughter, igniting a manhunt in the area. He was considered armed and dangerous by police, up until he was found dead.
His body was found near the banks of the Merrimack River off River Street, and it has been determined that he shot himself in the neck, taking his own life.
According to the Boston Herald, Bell’s extensive criminal history includes a 2019 conviction for drug and weapons charges resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. It is not yet known how Bell was able to obtain the guns used in the murder of Hughes and the baby.
Bell’s criminal record provides a highlight reel of lowlife behavior, with convictions for driving under the influence, burglary, simple assault, criminal mischief, and obstructing a report of a crime or injury, according to the Herald.
The investigation into the murders is still open, with investigators with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office piecing together the events of the dreadful day, and what led up to the murder of the mother and her toddler.
Nicole Hughes’ sister Makayla Hughes, set up a GoFundMe page for Nicole’s 5-year-old daughter Abrianna (Brina).
“Left behind is my brave, strong, amazing niece Abrianna (Brina), who was Nicole’s oldest daughter (5). She is expected to make a full recovery from the physical injuries inflicted. As terrible as this situation is, we are so grateful for her to still be in our lives. This GoFundMe is set up to ensure Brina recieves anything she may need as far as medical bills, a college fund, and any future needs that might come up,” Makayla Hughes wrote.
The fund had raised about $7,600 at 5:30 p.m. Monday.