Arrest Made in Exeter Homicide; Daughter-in-Law Charged

November 25, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office announced an arrest in the February homicide of 88-year-old Janet Kelsen in Exeter.

An arrest warrant charges Danielle Kelsen, 55, with second-degree murder (RSA 630:1-b, I(b)), alleging she recklessly caused Janet Kelsen’s death “under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life” by inflicting blunt head trauma. She is also charged with wiretapping and eavesdropping (RSA 570-A:2) for allegedly using an electronic device to intercept oral communications between herself and the victim.

According to officials, Danielle Kelsen was taken into custody in Southwest Harbor, Maine, with assistance from the Maine State Police. Following an initial fugitive-from-justice appearance, a further hearing on extradition to New Hampshire is scheduled for December 10, 2025, in Ellsworth District Court.

If extradited, the defendant is expected to be arraigned in the 10th Circuit Court – Brentwood District Division at a date and time to be set by the court.

Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Credit: New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.