Dad arrested in murder of mom, 4-year-old son; mom had been seeking custody of children (Salem, New Hampshire)

Dad CHRISTOPHER SMELTZER has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of his wife. I'm presuming charges will also be filed in the death of their 4-year-old son, and in the "non-threatening injuries" inflicted on the 7-year-old daughter.

The back story here was not entirely clear. It seems the couple had separated. I really can't tell here whether Dad had custody of these kids, or there was no custody agreement in place. At any rate, two people are now dead--"allegedly" at Dad's hands. And a little girl is left traumatized and motherless.

Hat tip to Annie.

http://www.wptz.com/r/25745314/detail.html

Slain NH Woman Filed For Custody of Children
Son found dead, daughter injured
POSTED: 11:52 am EST November 10, 2010
UPDATED: 12:11 pm EST November 10, 2010

Salem, NH -- Court records show that a New Hampshire woman found dead in her Auburn home along with her son had filed a petition seeking custody of her two children.

Records show Mara Pappalardo Smeltzer asked a Salem family court judge in September to give her custody of her custody of Mason, 4, also found dead on Monday, and Mercey, 7, who was found and hospitalized on Monday with non-life threatening injuries. It is unclear what led authorities to the home.

Christopher Smeltzer, 37, of Auburn, was arrested late Tuesday and charged with second degree murder in the death of his wife. He is due in Candia District Court at 1 p.m.

Mara Smeltzer told the court she was homeless and living with her mother-in-law.

There is no indication the petition was ever served on her husband.