On March 15, 2019, Dr. James 'Jim' Eckert, 48, and his wife, Dr. Lizette 'Liz' Eckert, 50, were fatally shot in their Alton, New Hampshire, home. Both were esteemed chiropractors and active members of the St. Katharine Drexel Parish community. James owned a chiropractic practice and was an avid ultramarathon runner, while Lizette practiced at Sanctuary Body Works in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, and cherished her role as a mother to their three children.
The New Hampshire Attorney General's
Office reported that Lizette died from a single gunshot wound to the head, and James succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds after being transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital. An 11-year-old boy was taken into custody and charged under juvenile laws with one count of reckless second-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, which was later updated to two counts of second-degree murder following James's death. Due to the juvenile's age, authorities withheld further details about his identity and relationship to the victims.
The tragic incident shocked the Alton community, prompting an outpouring of support for the Eckerts' surviving children. A GoFundMe page established by Lizette's mother, Diane Kennedy, aimed to assist with the children's future education and healthcare expenses, reflecting the community's commitment to supporting the family during this difficult time.
Funeral services for James and Lizette were held at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, where they were remembered for their dedication to their family, profession, and faith. The case underscored the profound impact of such tragedies on small communities and highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and support for families in crisis.
