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New Hampshire Revised Statutes

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 630:1-b (2026)

Second Degree Murder

✓ current as of May 2026
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    630:1-b Second Degree Murder. –
I. A person is guilty of murder in the second degree if:
(a) He knowingly causes the death of another; or
(b) He causes such death recklessly under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life. Such recklessness and indifference are presumed if the actor causes the death by the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of, or in an attempt to commit, or in immediate flight after committing or attempting to commit any class A felony.
II. Murder in the second degree shall be punishable by imprisonment for life or for such term as the court may order.

Source. 1974, 34:2, eff. April 15, 1974.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 48 cases (4 in the last 5 years), 1975–2025 · leading case: State v. William Edic, 169 N.H. 580 (N.H. 2017).
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State v. William Edic, 169 N.H. 580 (N.H. 2017). · cites it 2× “See RSA 630:1-b, 1(b); RSA 641:6, I. To convict the defendant of the applicable variant of second degree murder, the State had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he caused the death of another “recklessly under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value…”
Roy v. Perrin, 441 A.2d 1151 (N.H. 1982). · cites it 2× “In addition, the State agreed that it would recommend a sentence of life imprisonment, RSA 630:1-b II, with the understanding that “the minimum eighteen years would be in effect and the normal parole eligibility .”
State v. Allen, 514 A.2d 1263 (N.H. 1986). · cites it 2× “Second degree murder is defined as causing death knowingly, RSA 630:1-b, 1(a), or recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, RSA 630:l-b, 1(b).”
State v. Hall, 808 A.2d 55 (N.H. 2002). · cites it 2× “See RSA 630:1-b, I (a) (1996). We reverse and remand.”
State v. Taylor, 677 A.2d 1093 (N.H. 1996). · cites it 2× “See RSA 630:1-b (1986). On appeal, he argues that the court erred: (1) in allowing the State to impeach his direct testimony with the details of a prior robbery conviction; (2) in refusing to give jurors a “reasonable efforts” instruction regarding lesser-included offenses; and…”
State v. Katlyn Marin, 211 A.3d 692 (N.H. 2019). “See RSA 630:1-b, I(a) (2016). Prior to trial, the defendant moved to suppress statements she made to the police prior to being advised of her Miranda rights.”
State v. Dufield, 549 A.2d 1205 (N.H. 1988). · cites it 3× “In appealing his conviction for reckless second degree murder, RSA 630:1-b, 1(b), the defendant submits that the Superior Court (DiClerico, J.”
State v. Schultz, 677 A.2d 675 (N.H. 1996). · cites it 2× “See RSA 630:1-b, I(b) (1986). On appeal, he argues: (1) that the Superior Court (Murphy, J.”
State v. Darcy, 427 A.2d 516 (N.H. 1981). · cites it 2× “RSA 630:1 (capital murder); RSA 630:1-a (first-degree murder); RSA 630:1-b (second-degree murder). We find no unconstitutional vagueness in the statute in question.”
State v. Christopher Gay, 145 A.3d 1066 (N.H. 2016). “See RSA 630:1-b, 1(b) (2007); RSA 629:3 (2007); RSA 636:1 (2007).”
State v. Etienne, 767 A.2d 455 (N.H. 2001). “See RSA 631:1 (1996); RSA 630:1-b (1996); RSA 629:1 (1996). The defendant asserts that the Superior Court (Hollman, J.”
State v. Cote, 493 A.2d 1170 (N.H. 1985). “, RSA 630:1-b, 1(a) and RSA 630:2, 1(b) (certain forms of second degree murder and manslaughter distinguished by difference between knowing and reckless state of mind).”
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