Public Safety

March 15. 2013 10:18PM

Police say Danville teen died alone

By JASON SCHREIBER
Union Leader Correspondent

DANVILLE - A teenager found dead following a shooting reported inside the home of Police Chief Wade Parsons Monday night is believed to have been alone at the time, state police said Friday.

The circumstances surrounding the death of 15-year-old Jacob Carver still aren't clear, but State Police Lt. Chris Vetter said he doesn't believe Parsons or anyone else was at home when the incident occurred.

"Initial investigation shows it doesn't appear to be accidental," Vetter said.

Vetter would not comment on whether the death was a suicide, referring questions on the cause of death to the state medical examiner's office. He said he has not yet seen the autopsy report and hasn't spoken with the medical examiner's office.

A representative from the medical examiner's office said early Friday that she would have to look up the case before providing the information to the New Hampshire Union Leader. She had not called back by Friday night.

Timberlane Regional High School made an automated call to the school community Tuesday afternoon confirming the death of freshman Jacob Carver, who is the son of the police chief's girlfriend.

Vetter said state police continue to investigate the death and that the case may be reviewed by the Rockingham County Attorney's Office.

"Depending on what the investigation finds, that's absolutely a possibility," Vetter said.

Rockingham County Attorney James Reams also said his office may look at the case.

When asked if Parsons is under investigation, Vetter said, "We're investigating the circumstances around the death. Is he specifically under investigation? No," he said.

Vetter wouldn't comment on whether any of Parsons' firearms were involved in the incident.

Selectmen have taken no action against Parsons. Selectman Shawn O'Neil called the incident a "very tragic event."

State police began investigating after emergency personnel were called to the home at 53 Caramel Drive on Monday around 7:15 p.m. State police would not confirm reports that a 15-year-old boy had suffered a gunshot wound, saying only that it was being investigated as an "untimely death."

jschreiber@newstote.com