Former New Hampshire corrections officer charged with murder in psychiatric patient’s death

A former New Hampshire corrections officer is being charged with murder after allegedly causing the death of a patient at a psychiatric corrections unit, officials said. 

Matthew Millar, 39, of Boscawen, New Hampshire, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder Thursday for reportedly causing the death of Jason Rothe, a patient at the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Department of Corrections, according to a statement by Attorney General John M. Formella’s office. 

Millar allegedly acted with “extreme indifference to the value of human life” by using his arms and legs to apply “force and pressure” to Rothe’s torso and neck on April 29, 2023. His actions caused the death of Rothe, who was 50, by combined traumatic and positional asphyxiation, the AG said in a statement. 

Five other officers were involved in the use of force incident but are not expected to be charged, according to Formella’s office. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined in October that Rothe’s death was a homicide, officials said. 

An investigation by the New Hampshire State Police and New Hampshire Department of Justice led to evidence that Millar allegedly applied pressure with his knee and arms into Rothe’s torso and neck area for “several minutes” while Rothe was handcuffed and face-down on the floor. This action was against the Department of Corrections’ use of force protocols and training, the statement said. 

“Matthew Millar received training on asphyxia and use of force which detailed the risk of death inherent with the specific manner of restraint he applied,” Formella’s office said. 

Millar was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon at Concord Circuit Court. 

“The decision to bring a charge of this nature for on duty conduct by law enforcement officer was not made lightly, but was based on a careful and thorough review of the facts and the law,” Formella said. “The charge in this incident represents allegations against one specific individual. It should in no way be taken as a reflection on the behavior or overall professionalism of the hardworking men and women at the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, particularly those who provide care and security to patients at the Secure Psychiatric Unit.”

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