State v. Brian Roberge - Plea of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

AG: New Hampshire Press Releases

Filed March 10th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The State of New Hampshire announces that Brian Roberge pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the homicide of Jan Van Tassel. Following the plea, the court ordered Roberge committed to the secure psychiatric unit of the New Hampshire State Prison.

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What changed

The State of New Hampshire, through the Attorney General's office, has announced that Brian Roberge (age 54) entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity for the charge of Manslaughter in the homicide of Jan Van Tassel (age 79). This plea was certified by the State, and the Strafford County Superior Court subsequently ordered the defendant's commitment to the secure psychiatric unit of the New Hampshire State Prison.

This action signifies a critical stage in the legal proceedings for a serious criminal offense. For legal professionals and courts involved in similar cases, this highlights the procedural steps following an insanity plea, including state certification and court-ordered psychiatric commitment. While this specific case involves a defendant, the underlying legal framework and procedures are relevant to the administration of criminal justice within New Hampshire, particularly concerning mental health defenses in homicide cases.

What to do next

Review New Hampshire RSA 651:8-a and RSA 651:9-a regarding insanity pleas and psychiatric commitment procedures.

Penalties

Commitment to the secure psychiatric unit of the New Hampshire State Prison.

Source document (simplified)

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State of New Hampshire v. Brian Roberge, Homicide of Jan Van Tassel in Somersworth, New Hampshire on July 14, 2023. Entry of Plea of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity and Psychiatric Commitment

Press Release For Immediate Release Date: March 10, 2026

Contact Michael S. Garrity, Director of Communications
(603) 931-9375 | michael.s.garrity@doj.nh.gov Peter Hinckley, Senior Assistant Attorney General
(603) 657-4904 | Peter.Hinckley@doj.nh.gov

State of New Hampshire v. Brian Roberge, Homicide of Jan Van Tassel in Somersworth, New Hampshire on July 14, 2023. Entry of Plea of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity and Psychiatric Commitment

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces that earlier today before the Strafford County Superior Court Brian Roberge (age 54) entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on the indicted charge of Manslaughter, for the homicide of Jan Van Tassel (age 79).

That plea was certified by the State pursuant to RSA 651:8-a, and after the plea was entered the Court ordered the defendant to be committed to the secure psychiatric unit of the New Hampshire State Prison pursuant to RSA 651:9-a.