Nashua Man Sentenced to 80 Years to Life for Double Murder

Victor Rivera

Concord, N.H. — A Nashua man has been sentenced to a minimum of 80 years in prison for the fatal shootings of two individuals in downtown Nashua last August.

Attorney General John M. Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke announced that Victor Rivera, 49, of Nashua, was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Patricia Swett and Matthew Champagne. A jury convicted Rivera on January 14, 2025, determining that he knowingly caused the deaths of the victims by shooting them in a parking lot on August 29, 2023.

At sentencing, the Court imposed consecutive sentences of 40 years to life for each count, amounting to a total minimum prison term of 80 years in the New Hampshire State Prison. The decision came after statements from the victims' family members and friends were heard in court.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Adam L. Woods and Rachel C. Harrington, with support from Victim Witness Specialist Amy Cerullo.

Authorities have not released a motive for the killings, but Rivera’s conviction ensures he will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life unless granted parole after serving his sentence.