New Hampshire high court leaves Michael Addison death sentence in place for now

The defense said it remained convinced the death sentence should not survive the repeal and indicated it would keep challenging.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has turned down Michael Addison’s request for a fresh look at his death sentence, keeping alive the long-running case tied to the 2006 killing of Manchester police Officer Michael Briggs.

Addison was convicted of capital murder in the shooting death of Briggs. His lawyers argued in March that the state’s 2019 repeal of the death penalty means his punishment no longer fits New Hampshire’s current standards.

Justice Melissa Countway, writing for the court, said the law ending capital punishment applies only to sentences imposed on or after the date it took effect. She also concluded that the court had already completed the proportionality review Addison sought and had previously found the sentence valid, rejecting the claim that the later repeal required a new examination.

The defense said it remained convinced the death sentence should not survive the repeal and indicated it would keep challenging the punishment in court. The lawyers said they were disappointed by the ruling and plan to continue their efforts.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who handled the prosecution of Addison while serving as attorney general, backed the court’s decision and repeated her view that Addison should receive the death penalty for Briggs’ killing. She said the sentence was imposed lawfully by a jury and described the ruling as an important step toward justice for Briggs, his family, and Manchester police officers.

The Attorney General’s Office also welcomed the outcome, saying the ruling is a significant part of the post-conviction process and expressing hope that it offers some comfort to the Briggs family. The office said it remains committed to seeking accountability in cases involving harm to law enforcement.

Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr similarly supported the decision, noting that Addison’s conviction and sentence have been repeatedly examined and upheld. He said the upcoming anniversary of Briggs’ death makes final resolution especially important for the officer’s family, his colleagues, and the wider community.

The ACLU of New Hampshire took the opposite view, arguing that serious constitutional questions remain about carrying out an execution after the state repealed capital punishment. Legal director Gilles Bissonnette said the repeal reflected New Hampshire’s rejection of a punishment he described as inhumane, unjust, racist, and prone to error, and he said the case would continue to be fought.

Addison’s attorneys may still ask the court to rehear the case. New Hampshire has not carried out an execution since 1939.