Concord man, 77, arrested in the killing of his wife

CONCORD - A 77-year-old Concord man was arrested on Friday and charged in the killing of his 78-year-old wife inside their Concord home.

Officers were called to 71 S. Spring Street around 1:45 p.m. for a reported homicide at the residence.

The deceased female was identified as Marlene Couture, who is to be examined by the coroner's office today.

Philip Couture, 77, of Concord, is charged with one count of second-degree murder for knowingly causing the death of his wife by assaulting her, one count of second-degree murder for recklessly causing her the death under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life.

Couture has also been charged with one count of second-degree assault for strangling an adult female at the residence. The woman has been treated for her injuries and released.

It is anticipated Couture's arraignment will be conducted on Tuesday at Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and Couture is presumed innocent until proved guilty.