Rochester shooting: Somersworth woman found in North Carolina and arrested

Karen Dandurant, Fosters Daily Democrat
·2 min read

ROCHESTER — Haydee Rivera-Nadeau, 65, of Somersworth, has been arrested in North Carolina after allegedly shooting another woman in the head in Rochester on Monday, according to police.

Rochester police Capt. Andrew Swanberry said the victim remains at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in critical condition. Police did not immediately release her name.

"I cannot comment on the relation between the two at this time, but can say we quickly identified the suspect," Swanberry said. "We can say we believe there is no danger to the public."

A woman was shot in the head at the Professional Arts Centre office building at 40 Winter St. in Rochester Monday, May 1, 2023, according to police.
A woman was shot in the head at the Professional Arts Centre office building at 40 Winter St. in Rochester Monday, May 1, 2023, according to police.

The shooting happened at 11:44 a.m. May 1 in the Professional Arts Centre, an office building at 40 Winter St. in Rochester. Authorities responded at 11:44 a.m. to a report a 50-year-old woman had suffered a traumatic head injury, police said.

Paramedics from Frisbie Memorial Hospital, with assistance from Rochester Fire personnel, stabilized the victim, then Frisbie Ambulance transported her to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for trauma care, police said.

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Investigators locate suspect, make arrest

A suspect was quickly identified, and a two-plus-day manhunt ensued with police tracking Rivera-Nadeau to North Carolina, police said. On Wednesday, May 3, at approximately 6:51 p.m., Rochester police said detectives followed up on information the suspect was possibly in the area of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Rochester police said they contacted the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, which took her into custody.

Haydee Rivera-Nadeau, 65, of Somersworth, was arrested in North Carolina, charged in connection with a Rochester, New Hampshire, shooting with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and attempted second-degree murder, as well as being a fugitive from justice.
Haydee Rivera-Nadeau, 65, of Somersworth, was arrested in North Carolina, charged in connection with a Rochester, New Hampshire, shooting with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and attempted second-degree murder, as well as being a fugitive from justice.

Rivera-Nadeau is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and attempted second-degree murder, as well as being a fugitive from justice. Rivera-Nadeau is currently being held at Mecklenburg County Jail until her arraignment in Mecklenburg County District Court on Thursday May 4, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Rochester police said the Strafford County attorney’s office and New Hampshire attorney general’s office are involved in the investigation.

Swanberry said the Professional Arts Building where the shooting took place is a general office-type building.

"There are multiple offices and suites occupied by various businesses," he said. "There is lab testing, dentist, and general office space."

Swanberry said police have been tracking the woman since they first took the call. He did not yet know when she might be returned to New Hampshire.

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Information from public wanted

Rochester police ask anyone with information to call the department at (603) 330-7128 or report tips anonymously to Rochester Crime Line at (603) 335-6500 or text to: CRIMES (274637) and include TEXT4CASH in the body of the text with your tip. Cash rewards may be offered for information leading to an arrest.

Rochester police said they were assisted by the Nottingham, Barrington, Northwood, Nashua, Manchester, Concord and Somersworth police departments, New Hampshire State Police and the investigating and arresting agencies.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester NH shooting: Somersworth woman arrested in North Carolina