KEENE — A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a toddler that occurred in January 2024.
Annthoni Bliss was arrested Tuesday evening with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, according to Attorney General John M. Formella and Keene Police Chief Steven M. Stewart.
The arrest stems from the investigation into the death of 23-month-old Luca Hudson, who died on Jan. 17, 2024.
Police and medical personnel initially responded to a Keene apartment on the morning of Jan. 14, 2024, after receiving a 911 call reporting an infant in medical distress.
When emergency responders arrived, they found Luca unconscious and not breathing.
The child was transported to a hospital where he remained until his death three days later.
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell L. Weinberg conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was homicide resulting from blunt head trauma.
Investigators allege that Bliss caused the death of Luca Hudson “recklessly under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life,” by subjecting the child to abusive violence and failing to obtain timely medical assistance.
Bliss is expected to be arraigned Wednesday at the Eighth Circuit Court, Keene District Division, at a time to be determined by the court.
Authorities note that the charge and allegations against Bliss are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
