On August 3, 2023, 59-year-old Denise Damato-Coe was found deceased in her home at 48 Back Road in Danville, New Hampshire. Responding to a late-night 911 call, Danville police officers discovered her body inside the residence. An autopsy conducted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie Duval determined that Damato-Coe died from multiple gunshot wounds, and her death was classified as a homicide.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of her 20-year-old son, James Coe.
On August 9, 2023, authorities charged him with second-degree murder for knowingly causing his mother's death by shooting her with a rifle. He was also charged with falsifying physical evidence for allegedly altering, concealing, and removing the firearm used in the crime. James Coe was apprehended in Revere, Massachusetts, and held without bail pending extradition to New Hampshire.
In January 2024, a New Hampshire grand jury indicted James Coe on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of falsifying physical evidence. The indictment detailed that Damato-Coe had been shot multiple times with a rifle. James Coe remained in custody without bail as legal proceedings continued.
The tragic incident shocked the Danville community, prompting discussions about family violence and mental health awareness. Authorities urged anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit.
