Keene homicide-suicide case remains under review

Keene Police directed questions about the matter to the Attorney General’s Office, which said it has no new details to release at this point.

The state investigation into the deaths of Donna Fairbanks, 70, and Chandler V. Chip Fairbanks, 72, is still moving forward, according to the N.H. Attorney General’s Office. A spokesman said Tuesday that Keene police have finished collecting information in the case, but the broader review has not yet wrapped up.

Authorities have said the deaths appear to have been a homicide-suicide. In mid-June, police went to the couple’s home on Hurricane Road for a welfare check and found both dead from gunshot wounds. Investigators said Donna Fairbanks had been shot in the head and chest, while Chandler Fairbanks had been shot in the head. Police have not identified a motive.

Michael Garrity, communications director for the AG’s office, said the exact date when Keene police ended their information-gathering was not available. He said that step can involve interviews with people who may know something about the case, along with the collection of physical and forensic evidence. After that material is assembled, the state reviews what investigators have compiled.

Keene Police Lt./Detective Joel Chidester directed questions about the matter to the Attorney General’s Office, which said it has no new details to release at this point.

The Fairbanks were well known in Keene. Donna Fairbanks taught math for years at Keene Middle School before retiring in 2018. Her death drew a large community vigil in July that brought together about 200 friends, relatives, former students and co-workers.