Ossipee, New Hampshire — A New Hampshire man will spend decades behind bars after being convicted of killing his pregnant girlfriend and their unborn daughter, despite initially claiming that the woman had caused her own death by falling.
William Kelly, 40, was sentenced to 80 years in prison after a jury convicted him of two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of 33-year-old Christine Falzone and her unborn baby, who was expected to be named Jules.
Christine Falzone Suffered Extensive Injuries
The fatal incident happened on December 17, 2023, at a home in Ossipee, on the eastern side of New Hampshire.
Evidence presented during the case showed that Falzone suffered approximately 100 bruises across her body, along with five fractured ribs.
She also suffered bleeding in her brain and abdomen, injuries that prosecutors said were consistent with a violent beating rather than an accidental fall.
Despite the extensive injuries, Kelly reportedly told the first police officers who arrived at the home that Falzone had fallen and was responsible for her own death.
That explanation ultimately failed to convince a jury.
Judge Rejects Request for Lesser Sentence
Following Kelly’s conviction, his defense attorneys asked the court to sentence him to 40 years in prison.
Judge Mark D. Attorri rejected the request and imposed an 80-year sentence, making clear that he did not believe Kelly deserved leniency.
During sentencing, Attorri delivered an emotional statement comparing Kelly’s future behind bars with the life that Falzone and her unborn child lost.
The judge noted that Kelly would still be able to wake up, breathe and see sunlight, while Christine and her child would never have those opportunities again.
First Conviction Under New Fetal Homicide Law
Kelly’s case also carries significance under New Hampshire law.
He was initially convicted in November, but Judge Attorri later overturned that conviction after concerns arose that Kelly’s constitutional right to remain silent may have been violated at the scene.
A second trial resulted in another conviction in July, which held up.
The case became the first conviction in New Hampshire under a new law that permits a murder charge involving the death of a fetus.
That means the prosecution was able to pursue a separate murder count for the death of Falzone’s unborn child.
Family Says Christine’s Death Could Change Future Cases
Christine’s family described the loss as devastating while also expressing hope that the case could help other victims of domestic violence.
Tiffany Marcos, Falzone’s aunt, said Christine’s death could become a turning point for victims whose cases come before New Hampshire courts in the future.
She said Christine and her unborn child could help “clear the path” for future victims seeking justice.
The comments reflected the family’s belief that the case was about more than Kelly’s punishment — it was also about ensuring that the law recognizes the devastating consequences of violence against pregnant women.
Attorney General Condemns Domestic Violence
New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella expressed sympathy for Falzone’s loved ones following the conviction.
He described the family’s loss as unimaginable and praised prosecutors, investigators and jurors for their work throughout the case.
Formella also emphasized the devastating consequences of domestic violence, saying it can result in irreversible harm to victims and their families.
Kelly will now serve his 80-year prison sentence, while Christine Falzone’s family continues to cope with the loss of both her and the daughter she was expecting.
What are your thoughts on the 80-year sentence in this case? Do you believe the punishment reflects the severity of what happened to Christine and her unborn child? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
