MA Examiner: Cause Of Death Of Missing NH Boy Could Take Months

CONCORD, NH — A medical examiner in Massachusetts has confirmed the body of a child found in a state park is a missing Merrimack, New Hampshire, boy.

But determining the cause and manner of death could take months.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office issued a statement on Sunday saying an autopsy performed on a body found in Ames Nowell State Park in Abington, MA, is that of Elijah Lewis, 5, a boy last seen in Merrimack about a month ago. The autopsy was conducted by Dr. Richard Atkinson of the office of the chief medical examiner for Massachusetts, according to officials.

“Dr. Atkinson was able to positively identify the remains as Elijah Lewis using dental records,” Susan Morrell, a senior assistant attorney general, said. “However, the determination of cause and manner of death remain pending further toxicology testing and further investigation. It is likely that it will be a few months before there is a specific determination of cause and manner of death.”

Lewis' mother, Danielle Dauphinais, 35, and her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf, 30, pleaded not guilty in Hillsborough County Superior Court South to felony witness tampering and child endangerment charges on Wednesday. Officials accused Dauphinais of never reporting Lewis missing.

Morrell also said no additional charges were expected until the cause and manner of death have been determined.

ALSO READ:

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• AG On Merrimack Boy: 'As Of Today, We Believe Elijah Is Deceased'
• Mass, NH Officials Search Abington For Missing 5-Year-Old: Report
• Crews From Around New England Search For Missing Merrimack Boy
• Merrimack Couple Still In New York; NH Boy Still Missing
• Divers Search Merrimack Lake During Missing Child Investigation
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• Merrimack Police Looking For Child Missing For 6 Months
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Anyone who may have any info about this case is asked to contact the Merrimack Police Department's Crimeline at 603-424-2424 or New Hampshire State Police Communications at 603-223-4381 or 603-MCU-TIPS (603-628-8477).

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