Brian Roberge of Somersworth, arrest photo

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Somersworth Police Chief Timothy McLin announce the arrest of Brian Roberge, age 52, of Somersworth, New Hampshire, for the murder of Jan VanTassel, age 79, of Center Ossipee.

At about 11:19 p.m. on July 14, police officers responded to the Walmart at Waltons Way in Somersworth, in response to a report of one man assaulting another man.  Upon arriving, officers found Mr. VanTassel unresponsive with visible head and facial injuries.  First responders determined that Mr. VanTassel was deceased.

As a result of the investigation into the circumstances of Mr. VanTassel’s death, an arrest warrant was obtained charging Brian Roberge with one count of second-degree murder, RSA 630:1-b, I(b).  Mr. Roberge is alleged to have recklessly caused the death of Mr. VanTassel under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life by striking him repeatedly in the head and face.

Mr. Roberge is expected to be arraigned on July 17, 2023, in the Strafford County Superior Court, at a time to be determined.

Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact New Hampshire State Police Communications at (603) 223-4381, attention Detective Sergeant Justin Rowe.

The charge and allegations against Mr. Roberge are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.