Defense attorneys have raised the issue of competency in the murder case brought last week against a Belmont son accused of killing his mother.
Nicholas Murphy, 31, appeared by video for his arraignment Friday afternoon in Belknap County Superior Court in Laconia, where he faces two counts of second-degree murder in the death of 62-year-old Pamela Murphy. One charge alleges that he knowingly caused her death, and the second accuses him of doing so recklessly. He has pleaded not guilty.
Nicholas Murphy has been incarcerated at the Belknap County jail since his arrest on April 16. A judge ordered Friday that the original detention order in the case remain in effect; however, attorneys can file a motion at any time to revisit the issue of bail.
State prosecutors allege Nicholas Murphy killed his mother at their home on Tee Dee Drive on March 16. Belmont police responded to a 911 call at the residence at about 4:26 p.m. When officers arrived, they found Pamela Murphy dead, the attorney general’s office said previously.
An autopsy performed by Associate Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christine James determined that Pamela Murphy suffered trauma to the head and neck. Her death was ruled a homicide.
According to town tax records, Pamela Murphy owned the home at 31 Tee Dee Drive.
Prosecutors have released few details about the murder case. An affidavit in support of an arrest warrant for Nicholas Murphy was filed with the court under seal last week.
Public defender Caroline Smith told the court Friday that she requested a formal arraignment because of concerns about Nicholas Murphy’s mental competency to stand trial. The hearing was brief and Smith did not provide any further details about the competency issues raised.
If convicted of second-degree murder, Nicholas Murphy faces up to life in prison.