City resident accused of strangling mother indicted for 2nd degree murder

LACONIA — A city resident who allegedly strangled their mother to death was indicted on two second degree murder charges by the Belknap County Grand Jury.

According to information provided by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, Christopher Garon, 33, was indicted by the Grand Jury in connection with the death of his mother, Linda Dionne, on April 14.

Garon was indicted on one charge of second degree murder for knowingly causing Dionne’s death by strangling her. He was also indicted on an alternative charge of second degree murder for recklessly causing Dionne’s death “under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life by strangling her.”

An indictment is not an indication of guilt. Rather, it is a finding by a Grand Jury that enough evidence of an alleged crime exists to bring the case to trial.

Laconia Police responded to Old Prescott Road at 1:40 p.m. on April 14, and found Dionne dead inside her home. Garon was also there, and police took him into custody. The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on April 15, and determined the manner of Dionne's death was homicide by strangling. The case’s charging documents have been sealed.

Garon was scheduled for an arraignment on April 15, which was delayed until the next day, and held virtually. The defendant refused to appear, and jail staff reportedly felt unsafe due to his behavior, and a “no plea” was entered on his behalf.

Garon was originally held in Belknap County Jail, but on April 23, was moved to the State Prison psychiatric unit. Garon was due back in Laconia District Court for a competency hearing, but did not appear due to transportation issues. It was rescheduled for June 2, and Garon appeared in person. The hearing was sealed. Garon’s defense team waived his right to a probable cause hearing, and the case was elevated to Superior Court.

This was the second homicide case investigated in Laconia that day. Police found John Anderon, 62, stabbed to death at a South Main Street apartment. Police say there is no connection, and no charges have been filed in the Anderson case.

If convicted, Garon could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Garon will be read his charges at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the Belknap Superior Court. He has a dispositional conference scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23. Garon remains in jail pending trail.