Blair indicted on second-degree murder charge

A Laconia man facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his live-in girlfriend has been indicted by a grand jury.

Robert Blair, 47, was indicted in Belknap County Superior Court on Sept. 16.

As stated in court files, Blair is accused of causing the death of 53-year-old Donna Bucker by striking her on the head with his hand repeatedly, causing blunt impact injuries. The incident is alleged to have occurred the night of May 29 inside a Gilford Avenue apartment that the two shared.

Blair and Bucker were together for 16 years and authorities have characterized the couple as having a tumultuous and violent relationship.

They were apparently arguing the night of May 29, according to what Blair's friend, Jay Agrusso, has told police. Agrusso said he was at the apartment that Saturday and witnessed Blair hit Bucker using his hand.

The three had been drinking throughout the day, according to court documents.

Agrusso's estranged wife came over later and told police Bucker had a red, swollen temple, was complaining of a bad headache and got sick.

The state medical examiner has concluded that the woman died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Police discovered Bucker lying dead in bed Sunday morning after Blair called them.

Blair told authorities that after he realized she was dead, he went to a friend's house for coffee before returning to the apartment and calling authorities.

Blair is being held at Belknap County Jail in lieu of $500,000 cash bail.