Autopsy finds man killed in Somersworth Walmart parking lot died of crushed chest

Scene of Friday night killing in Somersworth Walmart parking lot; inset suspect Brian Roberge of Somersworth (Rochester, NH, Scanner Alerts photo; inset police mugshot)

SOMERSWORTH - An autopsy conducted on a Center Ossipee man killed Friday at the Somersworth Walmart revealed that his death was the result of compressional asphyxia, and that his manner of death was homicide.

Compressive asphyxia, also called chest compression, is most often defined as "limiting expansion of the lungs by compressing the torso, preventing breathing."

The autopsy on the body of Jan VanTassel, 79, was conducted on Sunday by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg.

Brian Roberge, 52, of Somersworth, was arrested Saturday on one count of second-degree murder in the death of VanTassel. As a result of the autopsy results, the factual charge against Roberge has been amended to an allegation that he "recklessly caused the death of Mr. VanTassel under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life by means of homicidal violence."

Police got involved around 11:20 p.m. on Friday as they responded to the Walmart for a report of one man assaulting another man. Upon arriving, officers found VanTassel unresponsive with visible head and facial injuries. First responders determined he was dead at the scene.

The compressional asphyxia finding by Dr. Weinberg is consistent with eyewitness accounts that Roberge was straddling VanTassel's chest for several minutes Auwhile hitting him in the head and face.

Roberge is expected to be arraigned today in Strafford Superior Court, at a time to be determined.

Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact New Hampshire State Police Communications at (603) 223-4381, attention Detective Sergeant Justin Rowe.