Stephen Field Indicted on Second-Degree Murder Charge in Kylie Fritz Shooting Death

On April 24, 2026, the Rockingham County Grand Jury in Brentwood, New Hampshire returned an indictment charging Stephen Field, age 40, with second-degree murder and falsifying physical evidence in connection with the July 28, 2025 shooting death of Kylie Fritz, age 38, in Newmarket, NH.

According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office, Field is accused of recklessly causing Fritz’s death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life by shooting her. The indictment as well includes one count of falsifying physical evidence.

Field waived his arraignment, which had been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in the Rockingham County Superior Court. As with all criminal proceedings, the charges are accusations and Field is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Official Statements

Attorney General John Formella announced the indictment, stating that the grand jury found sufficient cause to charge Field in the 2025 shooting. The AG’s office emphasized that the indictment reflects the jury’s determination that Field acted with reckless disregard for human life.

The full text of the indictment alleges that Field shot Fritz, resulting in her death, and subsequently engaged in conduct to falsify physical evidence related to the incident.

Case Background

The incident occurred on July 28, 2025, in Newmarket, New Hampshire. Kylie Fritz, 38, was fatally shot during the event. Law enforcement investigated the shooting as a potential homicide, leading to the presentation of evidence before the Rockingham County Grand Jury.

The grand jury’s decision to indict on second-degree murder reflects a finding that Field’s actions, while not premeditated, demonstrated a gross deviation from reasonable care and a disregard for the likelihood of causing death.

Legal Context

Under New Hampshire law, second-degree murder applies when a person causes another’s death recklessly under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life. This differs from first-degree murder, which requires premeditation. A conviction on second-degree murder carries significant penalties, including imprisonment.

The accompanying charge of falsifying physical evidence alleges that Field attempted to alter, conceal, or destroy information or objects relevant to the investigation, obstructing efforts to determine what occurred.

Next Steps

With the arraignment waived, the case will proceed through the Rockingham County Superior Court. Field will have the opportunity to enter a plea, and both sides will engage in discovery and pre-trial motions. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Field caused Fritz’s death recklessly and with extreme indifference to human life, and that he knowingly falsified physical evidence. The defense will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present counterarguments.

Key Takeaways

• Stephen Field, 40, has been indicted on one count of second-degree murder and one count of falsifying physical evidence.
• The charges stem from the July 28, 2025 shooting death of Kylie Fritz, 38, in Newmarket, NH.
• The indictment alleges Field recklessly caused Fritz’s death by shooting her under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life.
• Field waived his arraignment on April 22, 2026; the case is now proceeding in Rockingham County Superior Court.
• As with all defendants, Field is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is second-degree murder under New Hampshire law?

Second-degree murder occurs when a person causes another’s death recklessly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life. It does not require premeditation, which is an element of first-degree murder.

What does it mean that Field waived his arraignment?

Waiving arraignment means Field chose not to appear in court to formally hear the charges and enter a plea. This procedural step does not affect the validity of the charges or his rights in the case.

Is Stephen Field guilty?

No. An indictment is a formal accusation, not a finding of guilt. Field is presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

What is the significance of the falsifying physical evidence charge?

This charge alleges that Field took actions to conceal, alter, or destroy evidence related to the shooting, which obstructs the investigation and is a separate criminal offense under New Hampshire law.

Where did the shooting occur?

The shooting occurred in Newmarket, New Hampshire, on July 28, 2025.