Officer Douglas MacPherson Returns to Duty After Off‑Duty Fatal Shooting

On July 5, 2026, off‑duty Peterborough police Officer Douglas MacPherson found himself in a heated confrontation with his 24‑year‑old neighbor, Jack Hutchings. The dispute turned violent – Hutchings allegedly stabbed MacPherson, and moments later, Hutchings was discovered shot to death.

The incident sent shockwaves through the small New Hampshire community. While the police department launched an internal review, the case also attracted attention from the state Attorney General’s office, which weighed in on how the investigation should proceed.

MacPherson’s own department says the officer was placed on medical leave while authorities sorted out the facts. After a series of evaluations – including a physical exam and a psychological debrief – the department announced on Sept. 21 that MacPherson had been cleared to return to his regular duties.

Family members of Hutchings, represented by an attorney, argued that the situation warranted two separate probes: one homicide investigation to determine whether the killing was lawful, and a second review to examine if the officer’s firearm was discharged in accordance with police policy.

The Attorney General’s office pushed back, stating that the mere fact an officer was involved does not automatically create a need for a “second” investigation. Their position, as outlined in an official response, is that the central legal question is whether the use of deadly force was justified under New Hampshire law.

Both sides agree, however, that the case is still under active investigation. Until the inquiries are concluded, officials are urging the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions and to let the legal process run its course.

MacPherson’s return marks a tentative step toward normalcy for the Peterborough Police Department, but the community remains divided, awaiting the final word on what happened that July night.