Tragedy Strikes Deerfield: Man Accused in Fatal Family Shooting

A quiet New Hampshire community has been rocked by a shocking act of domestic violence, as a 26-year-old man from Deerfield stands accused of fatally shooting his sister-in-law and injuring his own brother. Brandyn Farrell was arraigned Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and reckless conduct following the tragic incident that unfolded on Monday.

The victim of the fatal shooting has been identified as 31-year-old Amanda Farrell, Brandyn’s sister-in-law.

His brother, whose name has not been released, also sustained injuries during the altercation, which prosecutors describe as escalating from a heated argument.

During the emotional court appearance, Farrell pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, with pleas on the other charges yet to be entered.

Prosecutors immediately moved for preventative detention, citing the severe nature of the alleged crimes and the threat Farrell poses. According to Assistant Attorney General Dan Baroody, the horrific events began with a 911 call placed by Farrell's brother, who explicitly told dispatchers that Brandyn had shot them.

The defense, however, painted a starkly different picture, arguing that Brandyn Farrell acted in self-defense, driven by profound fear.

Defense attorney Andrew Cotrupi claimed that his client had been living in a camper on the family property due to existing family issues, and that both Amanda Farrell and his brother had approached him aggressively on the day of the shooting. Cotrupi highlighted Farrell’s assertion that he fired out of a genuine belief that his life was in danger.

Further details emerged regarding Brandyn Farrell's account to investigators.

He reportedly told police that Amanda Farrell had threatened to kill him with a knife, and that his brother subsequently came at him, prompting him to fire his weapon. However, prosecutors presented counter-evidence, stating that ballistics testing did not support Farrell's claim about a knife being present or used by the victim.

The exact sequence of events and the presence of any weapons besides Farrell’s firearm will be key points of contention as the case proceeds.

The brother’s injuries, while not detailed publicly beyond being non-fatal, added another layer of tragedy to an already devastating situation. As Brandyn Farrell remains in custody, the Deerfield community grapples with the aftermath of a family dispute that spiraled into a deadly confrontation, leaving one dead and another facing serious charges that could lead to life in prison.