Berlin, New Hampshire – A 38-year-old former U.S. Marine will spend decades behind bars after fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend inside his apartment while their young child was nearby, a crime prosecutors described as the violent end of a prolonged custody and control dispute.
Deadly Shooting Inside Berlin Apartment
Dustin Mark Duren was sentenced last week to 45 years to life in state prison for the killing of 31-year-old Caitlyn Naffziger. A jury convicted him in October of second-degree murder, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The fatal shooting occurred on February 29, 2024, inside Duren’s apartment in Berlin, New Hampshire, where Naffziger was sitting on a couch with one of their children nearby.
Custody Dispute Led to Escalation
According to prosecutors, the former couple was locked in a bitter custody battle over their two children, who were ages 4 and 1 at the time. Duren had moved from Minnesota to New Hampshire earlier in January 2024, bringing one child with him. Naffziger later flew to New Hampshire with the second child on February 27, 2024, intending to reunite the siblings.
Court records show Duren did not want his ex-girlfriend staying in his apartment and repeatedly demanded that she leave.
“She ignored him or did not respond to his satisfaction,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “The defendant became frustrated, then angry.”
Fatal Moment on the Couch
On the day of the shooting, prosecutors said Duren attempted to force Naffziger out of the apartment without the children, which she refused. While seated on the couch with their 4-year-old child and wrapped in a pink unicorn blanket, Naffziger continued to resist.
Duren then pulled the child away with one hand and fired a gun into the left side of Naffziger’s head, killing her instantly.
Prosecutors emphasized that Duren, a former Marine and trained marksman, knew precisely what he was doing when he pulled the trigger.
Child’s Statements and Medical Findings
The young child later told a doctor that the gunshot hurt her ears.
“Mommy and daddy were fighting,” the child said. “Daddy hurt me and mommy. Mommy had lots of blood.”
Medical professionals testified that the child was not physically injured by the bullet but was exposed to the extreme trauma and noise of the gunfire at close range.
Amber Alert and Arrest
After the shooting, Duren fled the scene with both children, prompting authorities to issue an Amber Alert. Witnesses later reported seeing Duren and the children in the parking lot of an Applebee’s restaurant, where police ultimately located them.
Authorities confirmed the children were physically unharmed at the time of recovery.
Trial and Rejected Defense
During his trial, Duren testified in his own defense, claiming he believed Naffziger intended to kidnap the children. Prosecutors countered that there was no evidence to support that claim and argued the shooting was an intentional act of control and retaliation.
After roughly five hours of deliberation, the jury rejected Duren’s account and returned guilty verdicts on all major charges.
Family Speaks at Sentencing
At the sentencing hearing, members of Naffziger’s family described the lasting devastation caused by her death.
“Nothing can prepare you for the heartbreak of losing someone like Caitlyn,” said her aunt, Shannon Spurgeon. “Losing her in such a violent and senseless way shattered everyone who loves her.”
Naffziger’s stepfather, Tim Smith, described the killing as the end result of long-term domestic abuse, including isolation, manipulation, and control.
“When the control Dustin imposed on Caitlyn was lost, he knew he had lost control,” Smith said. “Like so many abusers, he resorted to murder in a vicious attempt to maintain that control at all cost.”
Long Prison Term Ahead
The judge ultimately imposed a sentence of 45 years to life, ensuring Duren will remain incarcerated well into old age.
The case underscores the dangers of domestic violence escalations, particularly during custody disputes, and the profound trauma inflicted on children who witness such acts.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or threats during a custody dispute, seek help from local authorities or support services. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
