OSSIPEE, N.H. — A man has been sentenced to a combined total of 80 years to life in prison for the December 2023 murders of his pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child, marking the first successful prosecution under New Hampshire’s fetal homicide law.
William Kelly, 40, was sentenced to two consecutive prison terms of 40 years to life by Carroll County Superior Court Judge Mark D. Attorri on July 9, 2026. Following a jury trial, Kelly was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of 33-year-old Christine Falzone and her nearly full-term daughter. Prosecutors described the brutality of the crime, detailing how Kelly assaulted Falzone at their Ossipee home, resulting in fatal injuries for both her and her unborn child.
The judge’s decision to impose consecutive sentences underscores the gravity of the offenses. Attorri stated that the nature of the case justified separate punishments for each death. The prosecution emphasized the significance of the ruling as a reflection of the jury’s determination that both lives lost warranted individual accountability.
During the sentencing hearing, disturbing details emerged regarding the violence Falzone endured. Prosecutors reported that she sustained over 100 bruises, along with five fractured ribs and internal bleeding. Falzone was between 35 to 37 weeks pregnant at the time of her death, with her family expecting to name the baby Jules. These tragic circumstances were pivotal in arguing for enhanced sentences, especially in light of the emotional toll the case took on Falzone’s loved ones.
Emergency responders arrived at the couple’s residence on December 17, 2023, following a 911 call about a woman found unconscious. Although Kelly was present at the scene and initially claimed Falzone had fallen, investigators soon uncovered inconsistencies that led to his arrest. An autopsy later confirmed that Falzone was significantly pregnant, prompting homicide charges not only for her death but also for the loss of her fetus.
This prosecution came under a state law that allows for separate murder charges if a fetus is unlawfully killed beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy. This legislation, enacted in 2018, sets a crucial legal precedent as Kelly’s case highlighted its implications in real-life scenarios. Despite pleading not guilty, Kelly faced a retrial after a mistrial was declared, related to potential violations of his rights during earlier proceedings.
The retrial concluded with a guilty verdict, reinforcing the state’s stance against domestic violence and its often devastating impacts. New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella stressed the importance of the conviction in addressing the serious consequences of such crimes, while commending the efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system.
At the sentencing, family members took the opportunity to share their memories and aspirations for Falzone, painting a vivid picture of the life she lived and the future that was lost. Her aunt poignantly recalled Falzone’s adventurous spirit and dreams of becoming a storm chaser, bringing a personal dimension to the courtroom’s proceedings.
Kelly’s defense argued for a reduced sentence, hopeful for a possibility of parole, but Judge Attorri ultimately deemed the sentences appropriate in light of the facts presented. The consecutive terms mean that Kelly must serve the first term before facing any possibility of release, ensuring that the severity of the crime is matched with adequate punishment.
The case has not only provided justice for Falzone and her child but has also set a significant legal milestone in New Hampshire, demonstrating the state’s commitment to addressing domestic violence and recognizing the lives affected by such acts. As it stands, the case illustrates the far-reaching implications of the amended fetal homicide laws and their capacity to shape future legal proceedings.