NEWPORT — The 27-year-old man found dead Tuesday in a Putnam Road residence shot his 23-year-old romantic partner multiple times, police believe, before taking his own life.
The severely injured woman was transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center to receive care. Newport Police reported she was in critical but stable condition at the hospital Tuesday night, according to a 9 p.m. news release.
The injured female continues to be listed in stable condition, receiving treatment for multiple gunshot wounds.
Police identified the deceased male as Jack Steele, of Newport, following a Wednesday update from the medical examiner’s office. While police did not name the injured woman, Newport Police Chief Alex Lee confirmed she was Steele’s significant other.
Based on current evidence, police believe this was a domestic situation and that no one aside from the two residents was involved in the shooting, Lee said Wednesday at the department.
At about 7 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report that a man had been shot at a Putnam Road residence, according to the release.
Upon arrival, emergency responders located a man deceased inside the residence, with a critically injured woman nearby, the release said. At the time, she was no longer on the property but still in the neighborhood, according to Lee.
Police conducted a minimal facts interview in the immediate aftermath, but will continue conducting interviews “to get more context and history,” Lee told the Valley News.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that Steele died of a gunshot wound, with suicide as his manner of death, according to Lee.
The information suggests he attempted to kill his female partner before taking his own life, Lee said by email.
“The police would not affirmatively declare that until the investigation is fully completed,” he said.
If you or a loved one feel unsafe at home, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers immediate resources and help at thehotline.org or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In the Upper Valley, you can reach the WISE Crisis Line at 866-348-9473 or visit wiseuv.org.
