BATH, NH – Tensions in a rural New Hampshire household boiled over into tragedy on Tuesday, as authorities say a long-running family dispute ended in the shooting deaths of two women and charges of second-degree murder against a 73-year-old man.
Charles “Chuck” Readey was arraigned Thursday in Grafton County on murder charges after police say he fatally shot his sister-in-law, Cindy Moody, 67, and her daughter, Kristal Moody, 39, at the home the three shared on Tyler Way in Bath. The shooting followed years of infighting related to living arrangements and recent, unsuccessful attempts to evict Cindy Moody from the residence, according to investigators.
Court documents revealed that days before the shootings, Readey had tried to remove Moody from the home by filing eviction petitions. Although an agreement was reached for Moody to pay rent rather than move out, Readey returned to court with renewed efforts to evict her, but these petitions were ultimately denied. Tension in the household appeared to escalate in the weeks leading up to the violent encounter.
Law enforcement in Bath were familiar with the family’s domestic struggles, and according to police filings, the situation had grown particularly strained over the past year. On the eve of the shooting, Readey left a message with Bath police expressing frustration with Moody’s presence in his home, complaining about unpaid rent and her lack of contribution to household expenses.
The crime unfolded shortly after noon on Tuesday. Sharon Readey, Chuck’s wife and Cindy Moody’s sister, told police she was awakened by a loud noise. Investigators say she discovered both victims lying on the ground inside the home, with a shattered door window nearby. Moments earlier, Kristal and Cindy Moody had reportedly been talking outside the house, which Readey told responding officers had frustrated him.
Police affidavits stated that Readey admitted loading his rifle before confronting the two women. According to his account, Readey fired through the glass of a door at Kristal Moody, striking her. Cindy Moody rushed over, yelling at Readey, who then shot her as well. Sharon Readey reportedly witnessed her husband walking calmly across the yard carrying the rifle after the shooting.
Court documents also shed light on Readey’s state of mind in recent months. He told investigators he had been battling depression since a recent brain tumor operation and frequently felt suicidal. He was described as believing he did not have much time left to live, a sentiment he shared with authorities after his arrest.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that both victims died from gunshot wounds to the chest and classified their deaths as homicides. An official with the Attorney General’s Office confirmed those findings on Wednesday.
While the argument between Readey and his sister-in-law was ongoing, investigators noted it was not an unusual occurrence. Family members told police their disagreements had become a regular part of life in the home, especially as additional family moved in. Sharon Readey described her sister’s alleged alcohol use and lack of household contribution as persistent sources of friction.
Following the shootings, Sharon Readey called 911 and hid in the nearby woods until authorities arrived. Police say Charles Readey cooperated with investigators and provided a detailed account of the incident. He remains in custody without bail, facing up to life in prison if convicted on either count of second-degree murder.
The fatal confrontation has rocked the small community of Bath, thrusting a private family struggle into the public eye as details of a simmering conflict and its tragic culmination emerge through the ongoing legal process.