Investigators have identified the victim of a fatal shooting in Somersworth, New Hampshire, as 36-year-old Jeffrey Prouty. The incident occurred Monday night outside an apartment building at 97 High Street. Prouty succumbed to a single gunshot wound to the chest, and officials have ruled his death a homicide.
Emergency responders found Prouty outside the building and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the circumstances of the shooting but confirmed that Prouty was the only individual fatally injured during the altercation.
A second man, aged 31, was also involved in the incident. He was found inside the building with non-gunshot-related injuries. After receiving medical treatment at a local hospital, he was released. Investigators revealed that the two men had engaged in a verbal dispute shortly before the shooting. Officials are now investigating whether the shooter acted in self-defense.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with law enforcement, is working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Determining whether self-defense played a role is a central focus of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in solving the case. The New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit is seeking witnesses who may have observed the altercation or shooting but have not yet come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at 603-223-3856 or via email at MCU@dos.nh.gov. The Somersworth Police Department can also be reached at 603-692-3131.
As the investigation progresses, the community remains shaken by the tragic incident. Authorities are committed to uncovering the full context of the events and ensuring justice for those affected. Further updates will be released as new details emerge.