On this WFEA interview, award-winning investigative reporter Damien Fisher discusses his recent report detailing the findings and recommendations of a newly convened state panel established following the murder of 25-year-old Marisol Fuentes in Berlin, New Hampshire.

The panel’s review examined critical breakdowns across the law enforcement, judicial, and prosecutorial systems after Fuentes was killed by her estranged partner—who was free on bail despite pending criminal charges and a history of documented red flags. Highlights from the story and interview include (summary by WFEA from Damien’s reporting):

• Key Findings on Systemic Gaps: Official reviews revealed that existing law provided sufficient evidence to hold the perpetrator on preventive detention, but procedural missteps, magistrate decisions, and insufficient follow-up by local law enforcement left critical warning signs unaddressed.
• Panel Recommendations: To prevent similar tragedies, the panel urges structural changes across New Hampshire’s justice system. Key proposals include creating enhanced penalties for repeat domestic violence offenses, implementing standardized, evidence-based risk assessment tools for judges in civil and criminal proceedings, establishing specialized Domestic Violence High Risk Response Teams, and expanding victim advocacy resources in municipal and circuit courts.
• Broader State Impact: The report underscores the urgent need for systemic reform, noting that domestic violence cases account for a majority of homicides in the state and highlighting the critical necessity of closing communication gaps between courts, prosecutors, and victim support services.