Michael Addison, a resident of Manchester, New Hampshire, was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2006 murder of Manchester Police Officer Michael Briggs. This case has been a focal point in discussions about capital punishment in New Hampshire, as Addison remains the state’s only death row inmate.
The Crime
On October 16, 2006, Officer Michael Briggs and his partner were on bicycle patrol in Manchester when they encountered Michael Addison, who was wanted in connection with several armed robberies. During the confrontation, Addison shot Officer Briggs, who later died from his injuries. Addison fled the scene but was apprehended in Massachusetts shortly thereafter.
Legal Proceedings
In 2008, Addison was tried and convicted of capital murder. The jury recommended a death sentence, which was affirmed by the New Hampshire Supreme Court in 2013. Subsequent appeals, including a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, were unsuccessful. As of 2024, Addison remains on death row, with ongoing legal efforts seeking to commute his sentence to life imprisonment without parole.
Recent Developments
In September 2024, Addison’s legal team filed a motion to have his death sentence commuted, arguing that it violates due process and the New Hampshire Bill of Rights. This motion has reignited debates over the death penalty in the state, especially since New Hampshire abolished capital punishment in 2019. However, the repeal was not retroactive, leaving Addison’s sentence in a unique legal position.
Complicating matters, all five active federal judges in New Hampshire recused themselves from hearing Addison’s case in December 2024, citing potential conflicts of interest. This unprecedented move has added further delays to the legal proceedings.
Conclusion
Michael Addison’s incarceration stems from his conviction for the murder of Officer Michael Briggs in 2006. Despite the abolition of the death penalty in New Hampshire, legal complexities have prolonged the resolution of his sentence, making his case a significant point of reference in discussions about capital punishment and justice in the state.
