AUBURN, N.H. --Police arrested a New Hampshire man in the death of his wife.
Christopher Smeltzer, 37, will be charged with second degree murder in the death of Mara Pappalardo, according to investigators.
“Earlier this evening Christopher Smeltzer was arrested for the murder of his wife. The medical examiner today determined that the cause of her death was blunt force trauma to her head as well as strangulation,” said Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young.
Investigators said Pappalardo, 39, was murdered sometime Sunday into Monday in their home at 257 Bunker Hill Road.
The couple’s two children, a son, 4, and a daughter, 7, were also involved.
“The medical examiner determined that their 4-year-old son died as a result of strangulation. The daughter was brought to the hospital and has non-life-threatening injuries,” said Young.
The Manchester Union-Leader identifies the couple's children as 4-year old Mason and 7-year old Mercey. The paper also said the couple was having marital problems.
In September, Pappalardo filed for temporary custody of the children, and was planning to separate from her husband.
It is still under investigation as to what role Smeltzer’s played in his son’s death and daughter’s injuries.
“The investigation into the injuries of the children is still ongoing to determine what exactly happened to them,” said Senior Assistant Attorney General Young.
Court records also show Smeltzer was arrested on Oct. 26 after a hit-and-run car accident in Salem, New Hampshire. Charges in that case include reckless operation, driving with a suspended or revoked license and possession of marijuana.
Smeltzer was held without bail Tuesday night. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday on one count of second degree murder.
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