BATH, NH – A 73-year-old New Hampshire man, Charles “Chuck” Readey, has been arrested after allegedly gunning down his sister-in-law and niece in a dispute over living arrangements, authorities reported. The incident occurred at a residence on Tyler Way in Bath, a town near the Vermont border.
Fatal Shooting Incident
According to the New Hampshire Department of Justice, Readey is facing two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Cindy Moody, 67, and her daughter Kristal Moody, 39.
At approximately 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, the Bath Police Department received a 911 call reporting shots fired at the home. Officers who responded discovered both women suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Confrontation With Police
Investigators found Readey inside the residence armed with a firearm. Police Chief Todd Eck reportedly called out to Readey, urging him to put down the weapon so they could assist the victims. Initially, Readey refused and allegedly told officers, “You can’t help them now.”
With intervention from his wife, Readey eventually lowered his weapon and was taken into custody without incident. Court documents indicate that Readey later admitted to the double murder, claiming he shot Kristal Moody first before turning the gun on her mother, Cindy.
Motive Behind the Killings
Investigators say the dispute stemmed from living arrangements in the basement, where Cindy Moody had resided for approximately three years. Authorities report that Readey became frustrated with the situation, which allegedly led to the fatal confrontation.
Court Proceedings and Custody
On Wednesday, Readey appeared in court for a remote arraignment and is being detained without bail pending a probable cause hearing scheduled for October 22. Autopsies for both mother and daughter are planned by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, raising questions about family disputes escalating to fatal violence and the handling of armed standoffs by law enforcement.
Call to Action
What measures should families and communities take to prevent domestic disputes from escalating to deadly violence? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and discuss ways to promote safety and conflict resolution in household disputes.
