Trial Begins For Man Accused of Killing Scientist

Jurors saw disturbing crime scene images and listened to the 911 call for help.

One of three suspects accused of killing a prominent scientist in Norwich is now on trial.

Chad Schaffer is charged with murder, robbery, and other offenses related to the death of Dr. Eugene Mallove in May 2004. A jury of six men and six women is hearing the case in Norwich Superior Court.

Schaffer and another man, Mozelle Brown, are accused of confronting Mallove outside the rental home owned by Mallove's parents in Norwich on May 14, 2004. The pair are accused of beating him repeatedly in the head, face, and body, according to prosecutors.

The two returned with another co-defendant, Candace Foster, to cover up the crime. They found Mallove still alive, and beat him until he died, according to prosecutors.

Mallove was a prominent scientist and former Pulitzer prize nominee from New Hampshire. Schaffer was a former tenant of his.

Among the evidence, jurors saw disturbing pictures of the crime scene including pictures of Mallove's body. His family members turned away as those images were displayed on a screen. They declined to comment on the case.

Jurors also heard the 911 call placed by a woman who stopped by the home.

On the recording, that woman said "I was coming to look at the apartment and someone is laying on the ground. He's not moving. He looks like he's dead."

Paramedics arrived at the scene before police. Daniel Miles testified that they were concerned for their safety. "We were pretty cautious coming up to it. We took a pause and said this doesn't look right. It doesn't feel right," said Miles.

Once police arrived, they went around back and tried to help the victim but realized there was nothing they could do for him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutors say Mallove's wallet, cell phone, camera, and van were stolen from the scene.

Two other men were initially charged in the case. Those allegations were dropped due to a lack of evidence.  The case was reopened leading to the new arrests in this case.
 

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