N.H. man sentenced for fatally stabbing mom, nearly decapitating her over video game volume dispute

GOFFSTOWN, N.H. (TCD) -- A man will spend 40 years in prison for stabbing his mother to death in 2023 and lighting her body on fire shortly after she gifted him a PlayStation for his 47th birthday.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office announced Thomas Humphrey’s sentencing on June 4 after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his mother, Linda Tufts. Humphrey was also given a consecutive suspended sentence of five to 10 years for one felony count of arson.

According to prosecutors, on Nov. 28, 2023, Humphrey stabbed his mother in their home. He was living in Tufts’ basement, and they began arguing over the volume of his video game, WMUR-TV reports. Humphrey reportedly stabbed his mother 22 times, nearly decapitating her, and then lit her body on fire.

Officers entered the residence, noticed the flames, and found Humphrey in the basement with self-inflicted injuries. He was reportedly armed with a knife.

Judge William Delker called it "one of the most brutal murders" he has ever presided over, according to WMUR.

Delker added, "The brutality of this crime simply makes it too dangerous not to impose a very lengthy state prison sentence."

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