Guilty Plea In Death Of 23-Month Old Who Died From Blunt Force Trauma

In September 2019 Douglas Barton, 41 was accused of physically assaulting his girlfriend's 23-month old child in a Loudon, NH home. The child died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Barton was wanted on charges connected to the incident, and authorities were searching for him. He was located working on a house on Alexander Drive in Manchester and was part of a construction crew.

After surveillance Manchester Police SWAT, and New Hampshire State Police took Barton into custody.

On Wednesday Attorney General John M. Formella announced that Douglas Barton, 41 pled guilty to one count of second-degree murder for killing “C.E." (age 23 months).

As part of a negotiated disposition, Barton pleaded guilty to knowing second-degree murder and was sentenced to 35 years to life in the New Hampshire State Prison. He has the ability to have 2 ½ years suspended after serving 15 years based upon good behavior and the successful completion of substance abuse treatment, anger management, and parenting classes.

The investigation and resolution of this case are the results of the collaborative efforts of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Loudon Police Department.