Negligent Homicide, Manslaughter Charges Filed Against Concord Parents

CONCORD, NH — The Concord parents who were allegedly running a methamphetamine operation out of a camper in Penacook have been charged with negligent homicide after their child died due to ingesting the drug, according to police. Bradford Ross, 25, and Kayla Austin, 21, both of Concord, were both charged on May 16, 2017, with single counts negligent homicide, manslaughter, and prohibited conduct, all felonies. On Aug. 1, 2016, Concord Fire and Rescue teams as well as police were called to Penacook Street in Penacook for a report of an unresponsive infant in a camper on the property, according to police.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

When they arrived, EMTs rendered medical aid and rush the 2-month-old boy to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“During the course of the initial investigation, detectives uncovered evidence that the couple (Ross and Austin) were both using, and distributing methamphetamine out of the small trailer, in which they resided with the two young children,” Lt. Sean Ford, the commander of the criminal investigations unit for the Concord Police Department, alleged. “Ross and Austin were subsequently arrested and indicted for possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.”

As the investigation continued, detectives consulted with medical experts and gathered more evidence and as a result of that evidence and expanded investigation, warrants were issued against both Austin and Ross reportedly connecting them to the death of their child, Ford stated.

“It is alleged that the child was exposed to and ingested methamphetamine which, contributed to his death,” Ford said.

Both Ross and Austin will be arraigned tomorrow morning.

The investigation continues and Concord Police ask anyone with information pertaining to this case to contact Lt. Sean Ford 603-225-8600 or the Concord Regional Crimeline 603-226-3100.