Litchfield, N.H. – The Litchfield Police Department has arrested 19-year-old John Burke of Hudson, New Hampshire, in connection with a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Burke has been charged with Second Degree Murder and multiple other serious offenses following a violent crash on Route 102.
At approximately 9:17 PM on April 30, officers received a notification from Toyota Safety ConnectⓇ, followed by a 9-1-1 call reporting a crash on Route 102, located between Cutler Road and Woodburn Road. Emergency responders from the Litchfield Fire Department, Hudson Ambulance, and Londonderry Fire Department were dispatched to the scene to assist in the response.
Upon arrival, authorities found a head-on collision between two vehicles: a Toyota Corolla and a Mitsubishi Outlander. Nearby, a motorcycle was discovered in the woodline, and an adult male, wearing a helmet, was found unresponsive on the shoulder of the road. Despite efforts to save him, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mitsubishi suffered minor injuries but was treated on-site and released, while the driver of the Toyota, later identified as Burke, was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
The Litchfield Police Department, working in collaboration with the New Hampshire State Police (NHSP) Major Crimes Unit and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit (CAR), initiated a thorough investigation. Based on witness statements and physical evidence gathered from the scene, investigators concluded that the collision between Burke’s Toyota Corolla and the motorcycle was intentional. The victim, who had been riding the motorcycle, was struck with deliberate force, leading to his tragic death.
Burke’s reckless actions did not end with the motorcycle collision. As the investigation progressed, it was determined that Burke had pursued the motorcycle into the oncoming lane, resulting in the head-on collision with the Mitsubishi Outlander. While the crash with the Mitsubishi was not considered intentional, it occurred as a direct result of Burke’s dangerous pursuit of the motorcycle.
Additionally, investigators revealed that Burke was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. This discovery, coupled with the reckless nature of his actions, led to several serious charges being filed against him.
John Burke now faces the following charges:
- Second Degree Murder
- Manslaughter – Reckless
- Negligent Homicide
- First Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Aggravated DUI – Serious Bodily Injury
- Reckless Conduct – Deadly Weapon
- Witness Tampering
- Vehicular Assault
Burke is scheduled to be arraigned at Merrimack District Court on May 1, 2025. The identity of the deceased motorcyclist is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin, and an autopsy has been scheduled for May 1, 2025, by the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death.
The Litchfield Police Department has expressed its gratitude to all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts in managing the aftermath of this tragic incident. These agencies include the Litchfield, Hudson, and Londonderry Fire and Police Departments, as well as the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the New Hampshire State Police.
Investigators continue to urge anyone with information regarding the collision to come forward. The Litchfield Police Department encourages any witnesses or individuals who may have relevant details about the incident to contact them directly or to provide tips to the New Hampshire State Police.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of reckless driving, particularly under the influence, and highlights the devastating consequences that such actions can have on innocent lives. The Litchfield Police Department remains committed to seeking justice for the victim and their family.
