A New Hampshire man is charged with gunning down a bartender he was dating last week.
Stephen Field, 39, drew the attention of authorities following a car accident last week, from which he fled the scene. He was apprehended with the assistance of a police dog, as reported by WBTS. Exeter police, where the crash transpired, noted that remarks he made in custody led them to alert Newmarket police for a welfare check at Kylie Fritz’s residence, age 38.
Officers found Fritz dead at her apartment from an apparent gunshot wound.
Field is facing charges of second-degree murder and evidence tampering related to Fritz’s demise. Additionally, he has been accused of driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, and bypassing an alcohol ignition interlock device. The latter charge stems from a past DUI conviction that mandated he install a device in his vehicle to prevent further drunk driving incidents, which he failed to do.
According to friends, Fritz, who has a young son, and Field started their relationship a few months back. Fritz was employed as a bartender at the Newmarket Polish American Club, which noted in a Facebook tribute that she was cherished far beyond her role as a bartender.
“She was a true friend to so many,” the club said. “We will always remember her radiant smile, laughter, and warm sense of humor.”
Field is due in court on Wednesday, WGME said.
