A 21-year-old woman, Leah Anderson, has died after being found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head inside a residence in Thornton, New Hampshire, on Monday morning, according to investigators.
Authorities say emergency crews were dispatched to a home on Mad River Road shortly before 9 a.m. after receiving a report of an injured person inside the residence. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Anderson with a severe gunshot wound to the head.
She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment, but officials confirmed that she later succumbed to her injuries.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office stated that the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation. At this time, officials have not released details about what may have led to the incident or whether any suspects are being sought.
Residents in the quiet neighborhood described the incident as shocking, saying there were no obvious signs of disturbance prior to the arrival of police and emergency responders. Several neighbors reported that they only became aware of the situation when law enforcement vehicles and ambulances arrived at the scene.
One local resident, Karl Bewersdorf, described the household as peaceful and spoke positively about those living in the home, saying, “They’re very nice people, a nice family and interesting. I hope everyone’s OK at the end of the day.”
Authorities also confirmed that Anderson was a student at Plymouth State University, where she was studying elementary education and youth development. The university has not yet issued a public statement regarding her death.
Officials with the Attorney General’s Office said that all individuals connected to the incident have been identified and emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, investigators are continuing to gather evidence, process the scene, and interview witnesses to determine exactly what occurred inside the residence.
Law enforcement has not released further details, and the investigation remains active. Additional updates are expected as authorities continue their work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.