Authorities in Plaistow, New Hampshire, are currently investigating a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a woman and left a man injured. The event, which occurred early Sunday morning on Old County Road, is being treated as a possible murder and attempted suicide. The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, alongside state and local police, are spearheading the investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this distressing occurrence.
Upon receiving a 911 call at approximately 6:13 a.m., Plaistow police officers arrived at the scene where they discovered the deceased woman and the injured man. The man was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention, though details regarding his condition remain undisclosed. The identities of both individuals involved have not been released to the public as the investigation continues.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause and manner of the woman's death, which will provide crucial insights into the case. Officials have reassured the public that there is no apparent threat to the community stemming from this incident, emphasizing the isolated nature of the event under investigation.
In light of this incident, authorities have reminded individuals in crisis or those aware of someone in distress to seek help through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The community is urged to come together in support of one another during this challenging time, as the investigation unfolds and more information becomes available.
The Central Bank of Ireland has concluded a long-running inquiry into the Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS), resulting in significant penalties for former executives. John Stanley Purcell, a former board member, has been fined €130,000 and banned from the financial sector for four years due to his role in the society's governance and risk management failures. The inquiry highlighted a period between 2004 and 2008 where INBS's commercial lending practices were found to be lacking in oversight and adherence to financial regulations.
During the years under scrutiny, INBS's commercial loan book expanded dramatically from €3.59bn to €8.18bn, with commercial loans making up 78% of its total loan book by the end of 2008. The Central Bank's report detailed a culture of high-risk lending, where large sums were disbursed without proper documentation, adequate security, or necessary approvals. This reckless approach to lending was a significant factor in the society's eventual collapse during the financial crisis.
The inquiry also shed light on the broader systemic failures within INBS, including a lack of adherence to its own credit risk management policies and the absence of annual credit risk stress tests for commercial lending. Louise Gallagher, the Central Bank's head of enforcement investigations, emphasized the discovery of a pervasive culture that prioritized high-risk lending over sound financial practices. The findings underscore the importance of robust governance and risk management frameworks in financial institutions.
In addition to the penalties imposed on Purcell, the Central Bank's inquiry has led to settlements with other former INBS executives, including disqualifications and fines. The total cost of the investigation and inquiry into INBS's regulatory breaches amounted to over €24m, spanning 15 years from 2010 to 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold financial regulations and the critical need for accountability in the banking sector.