Judge rejected restraining order for NH Woman Shot in Mass

A woman shot by her boyfriend outside her Salem, Massachusetts workplace on Monday lived with him in Hampton but despite threats a New Hampshire judge rejected her request for a restraining order, according to NBC Boston.

Richard Lorman, 55, went to Doyle Sailmakers and shot a 33-year-old woman in the head before fatally turning the gun on himself, according to the Essex County Attorney General's Office. She was flown to a Boston hospital in critical condition.

Linsday Smith's mother told NBC Boston she is in intensive care but is recovering.

Court documents obtained by NBC Boston show that Smith had obtained a temporary restraining order in New Hampshire in September after Lorman made threats to "turn her world upside down." Lorman soon started to threaten friends and co-workers, Smith told the judge, who denied her request for a permanent restraining order against Richard Lorman because his actions were not considered abuse under NH state law.

WCVB reported Lorman used rape and control as "punishment" against Smith.

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence said it was "devastated" to learn Smith was denied a restraining order. Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs called for an investigation of all recent restraining orders to make sure judges are following all laws and protocols in their decision making process.

"Sadly, 43 percent of final protective orders are denied in New Hampshire, and in some cases where the victim has suffered serious injuries and there is an ongoing criminal investigation,” Grady Sexton said in a statement.

Gov. Chris Sununu also called for a review.

“What happened to Ms. Smith is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. As soon as this was brought to our attention I immediately contacted the judicial branch and confirmed this matter is being reviewed to the fullest extent possible," Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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