Thornton teen charged with killing sister in jail awaiting trial

An 18-year-old from Thornton accused of shooting and killing his sister will remain in jail until trial. After waiving his probable cause hearing last month, the case has been elevated to Superior Court.

Logan Anderson allegedly shot his sister, Leah Anderson, 21, on June 8, and was charged with second-degree murder. This is a special felony, and if convicted, Logan Anderson faces a potential life sentence.

Thornton and Campton Police responded to a call on Mad River Road, in Thornton, on the morning of June 8, and found Leah Anderson, with a gunshot wound to her head. She was taken to the hospital, where she died from the injury.

Thornton Police initially shared information on social media about a shooting investigation on Upper Mad River Road, and the Attorney General’s Office was involved. Thornton Police also closed down the intersection of Upper Mad River and Mad River roads, as well as Uhlman Drive, during the investigation.

Soon after, the Attorney General’s Office said their office, along with the State Police Major Crime Unit, were investigating a “shooting incident with serious bodily injury.” A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office said on the night of June 8 that Logan Anderson had been charged with second-degree murder.

Leah Anderson grew up in the area, attending Campton Elementary School and Thornton Central School, before graduating from Plymouth Regional High School. She stayed local for higher education, attending Plymouth State University. She was studying elementary education and youth development, and was on a track to graduate in 2027.

It is unclear what circumstances led to the shooting. The Attorney General’s Office has declined to offer more information.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Bethany Durand and Joshua Speicher, and Logan Anderson is represented by attorneys Morgan Taggart-Hampton and Benjamin St. Pierre, of NH Public Defenders.

Logan Anderson waived a formal reading of his charges on June 9, in Plymouth District Court. He was scheduled for a probable cause hearing on June 17, and waived the rights to this hearing, as well. The probable cause affidavit for the case is sealed.

Court records show the case was elevated to Grafton County Superior Court on June 18. The prosecution has 90 days to present charges to the Grand Jury for an indictment.