State and local authorities confirmed Monday that a Whitefield man who was critically wounded in an Aug. 11 shooting has died, bringing the known death toll in the incident to two.
Autopsy confirms gunshot wound as cause of death
The New Hampshire attorney general’s office, New Hampshire State Police and Whitefield police said an autopsy determined that Michael Marro, 41, died of a gunshot wound to the head. Officials did not provide the specific date of death but said Marro succumbed to the injury nearly two weeks after the shooting on Hilltop Manor Street.
Authorities previously reported that Eric Blake Jr. died by suicide at the scene, and that their mother, Amy Blake, 59, also died in the incident. Investigators have described mental illness as a likely contributing factor in Eric Blake Jr.'s death.
How the scene unfolded
Police were first called to the Hilltop Manor Street area shortly after 12:50 a.m. on Aug. 11 when reports came in about a driver acting erratically and striking vehicles. When officers— including personnel from nearby towns—arrived at a residence, they found three people inside who appeared to have been shot. Another relative, who was injured, reportedly drove himself to the hospital and reported the incident.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 11 | Shooting reported about 12:50 a.m.; three people found shot inside a Whitefield residence |
| Aug. 11 | Eric Blake Jr. declared dead at scene by suicide; other family members injured |
| Aug. 24 (Monday) | Officials announce Michael Marro died of gunshot wound to the head; autopsy completed |
Investigation status and community impact
State and local law enforcement agencies said the death of Marro has been ruled a homicide. Beyond confirming the autopsy result, agencies provided few additional details about timing, motive or whether any criminal charges are pending. Investigators have not released updates on the condition of the other family member who was hospitalized; officials said previously that person had been in stable condition.
Whitefield, a town of roughly 2,500 residents in Coos County, has been grappling with the aftermath of the event. In smaller communities, such incidents can have long-lasting effects on neighbors, schools and local services, particularly when mental health is referenced by investigators.
Resources and support
Officials included crisis resources in their update for anyone affected by domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. They pointed residents to national hotlines and online support services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
Additional resources cited by authorities include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the website SpeakingOfSuicide.com for further guidance. Locally, residents seeking help should also consult primary care providers, community mental health centers, and emergency services when immediate assistance is needed.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); www.thehotline.org; text LOVEIS to 22522
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988; online chat at 988lifeline.org
- Additional resources: SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources
What officials have said — and what remains unknown
Authorities have described the Aug. 11 incident as involving a household in which multiple relatives were shot and one person drove to the hospital for help. Beyond confirming identities and the cause of Marro’s death, officials have not released details about whether any weapons have been recovered, whether a motive has been established beyond the preliminary comment about mental illness in one individual, or whether the case will result in criminal charges beyond the classification of the death.
State and local law enforcement continue to investigate. Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Whitefield Police Department or New Hampshire State Police.
The unfolding nature of the investigation and the traumatic impact on a small northern New Hampshire town underscore the intersection of public safety and mental health services in rural communities. Coverage will continue as officials provide additional details.
