Northwood town administrator indicted for attempted murder

LACONIA — Neil G. Irvine, town administrator for Northwood, was indicted for attempted second-degree murder in Belknap County Superior Court, among other felony charges. 

Irvine, 60, of Northwood, is accused of attempting to suffocate an intimate partner in New Hampton two years ago.

Irvine was charged Tuesday by the Belknap County Sheriff’s Department on one count of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault and one count of criminal restraint.

The case was borne out of a Sept. 24, 2022 incident when Irvine allegedly straddled his partner and attempted to cover her nose and mouth, first with his hands and then with a pillow.

A warrant was issued for Irvine’s arrest on Tuesday after charges were filed in a secret indictment. A secret indictment refers to the process that follows when determinations are returned by a grand jury before an individual has been apprehended.

Irvine posted a $5,000 bond on Tuesday before being released from custody, according to court documents. As a condition of his bail, authorities confiscated his U.S. and United Kingdom passports on Tuesday as well. 

Irvine and his attorney Alan Hassler did not return requests for information, but a representative for the town’s selectboard who called themselves Carol confirmed Thursday that Irvine is still employed in Northwood.

That representative said town officials are working through legal counsel and directed all further questions to the Belknap County Attorney's Office.