The Executive Council rejected a request for a pardon hearing Wednesday in a murder case that helped drive the successful push to repeal New Hampshire’s death penalty.
The five-member panel voted unanimously without debate to deny the request from Robert McLaughlin, a Hampton police officer who shot his neighbor, Robert Cushing, to death in 1998. He was convicted in 1990 of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to life without parole.
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The victim’s son, longtime state Rep. Robert “Renny” Cushing, later led the effort to repeal the death penalty, saying that his opposition to capital punishment only deepened after his dad’s death. He founded Murder Victims’ Families for Human Rights, and as its executive director, traveled the country speaking on behalf of victims against the death penalty.
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“If we let those who kill turn us into killers, then evil triumphs and we all lose,” he said on March 7, 2019, when his bill passed the House, three years to the day before his own death from cancer and complications from Covid-19. “That does nothing to bring back our loved ones. All it does is widen the circle of violence.”
A five-member panel voted unanimously to deny a pardon request from Robert McLaughlin, a police officer who shot Robert Cushing to death in 1998.(Fox News)
Lawmakers later overrode a veto from Gov. Chris Sununu to enact the repeal.
McLaughlin had been a patrolman for 18 years when he killed the elder Cushing over a longstanding grudge. At his trial, McLaughlin admitted shooting Cushing but said he was not guilty by reason of insanity. He argued that he was suffering from depression and panic attacks, and on the night of the shooting, was under the influence of alcohol and the prescription drug Xanax, a sedative.
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After exhausting his appeals at the state level, he appealed in federal court claiming he would not have been convicted had jurors known he was taking controversial sleeping pills. A judge rejected that argument, saying he failed to prove his case on several fronts.
A driver was killed in a 3-vehicle crash on the Everett Turnpike in Nashua, N.H. that also sent a Massachusetts woman, another driver and several children to the hospital, New Hampshire State Police said.
Theresa Douville of Hooksett, N.H. was driving a 2020 Honda CRV around 4:30 p.m. when she allegedly failed to slow down for traffic stopped in the northbound lane, State Police said in a statement.
She crashed into an Infiniti QX 60 driven by Gyna Santana, 35, of Lawence, who had children in her car, the statement said.
Santana’s car then hit another Infiniti QX 60 driven by Madison Berube, 30, of Hooksett, who also had chldren in the car, State Police said.
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Douville, 69, was treated at the scene for serious injuries by emergency workers. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the statement said.
Santana, Berube, and multiple children from both vehicles were taken to a local hospital to be evaluated as a precaution, police said.
Three lanes of northbound traffic were shut down for about an hour while troopers processed the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
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Adam Sennott can be reached at adam.sennott@globe.com.
Have you ever wanted to meet the people who work every day to help keep your community safe? Now you and your family have the perfect opportunity!
One of my favorite things about living in New Hampshire is how the community genuinely makes the effort to know one another. Whether its neighbors lending a helping hand, local businesses supporting fundraisers, or first responders showing up for community events, there’s a real sense that we’re all in this together.
Events like Coffee with a Cop are a perfect example of that Granite State spirit!
Coffee with a Cop gives residents the chance to sit down with the dedicated men and women of the Bedford Police Department in a casual setting. Just real conversations over coffee and pastries.
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This is a wonderful opportunity for children to meet police officers outside of an emergency situation. Instead of only seeing officers during stressful moments or traffic stops, they get to laugh, ask questions, and learn about the people behind the badge.
As a newer mom, I don’t take for granted the people who work every day to protect the community my child is growing up in.
If you’re looking for a simple way to connect with your neighbors while supporting your local law enforcement, stop by Simply Delicious Bakery on Wednesday, July 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Grab a cold drink, enjoy a pastry, and spend a few minutes getting to know the people who work tirelessly to help keep Bedford a safe place to call home.
READ MORE: The Next Great Filmmaker Could Be Premiering Their Work Right Here In New Hampshire
I love highlighting stories like this because they remind us what makes New Hampshire special. It’s not just the beautiful scenery, it’s the people who continue to show up for one another.
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Gallery Credit: Megan Murphy
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Thank you to Lynne DeMelio-Rafferty for creating this.
Independent filmmaking isn’t just alive; it’s helping shape the future of storytelling.
As technology continues to level the playing field, passionate creators have more opportunities than ever to tell meaningful stories outside the traditional Hollywood system. That’s exactly why events like the Creative Guts Short Film Festival deserve our support.
“The spirit of this festival is to celebrate the creativity, voice, and collaboration of filmmakers.” Now in its third year, The Creative Guts Short Film Festival gives a platform for filmmakers from all genres and different levels of experience to showcase their 15-minute pieces. The films selected this year were based upon a jury panel and even have a chance at the opportunity to screen at Red River Theatres on a limited run after the festival.
How cool is that!?
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Awards in different categories will also be given to chosen filmmakers at the end of the event.
The evolution of cinema:
According to one of the UK’s biggest film festivals (Raindance), “The old model of filmmaking was built around gatekeepers.”
“Studios controlled production. Distributors controlled access. Television networks controlled visibility. Film festivals controlled discovery. Audiences arrived at the end of the pipeline. That structure shaped the kind of stories that could exist.”
Today, that model is rapidly changing. Raindance explains, “That pipeline is collapsing in real time. A filmmaker with a phone, editing software, and a direct audience relationship can now build attention faster than institutions that once controlled the entire ecosystem. That changes everything.”
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As someone who has spent years in the filmmaking world, I know firsthand that audiences don’t always see the countless late nights, rewrites, equipment hiccups, and endless problem-solving that happen long before a film ever reaches the screen.
Every finished project represents months (or even years) of hard work, creativity, and determination.
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A reason to support:
That’s one of the reasons I love short film festivals. Instead of committing to one feature-length movie, you get to experience a wide range of storytelling styles, genres, and perspectives all in one afternoon.
The best films don’t just entertain you, they linger long after the credits. They spark conversations on the drive home, challenge the way you see the world, or introduce you to a filmmaker whose work you’ll be eager to follow.
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If you’re looking to experience something different while supporting New Hampshire’s creative community, this festival is a great place to start. You may discover your next favorite filmmaker before everyone else does!
2026 Creative Guts Short Film Festival
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Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 Time: 6:00PM Location: Red River Theatres, Concord, NH Early bird price: $15 (June 15th to June 30th) Regular price: $20 (July 1st to July 30th)
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