The only man on death row in New Hampshire was back in court Monday trying to avoid execution and have his sentence changed to life in prison without parole. In 2006, Michael Addison shot Manchester police Officer Michael Briggs in the head, killing him. Addison was convicted of capital murder, and a jury sentenced him to death. Attorneys for Addison argued that the death sentence is a violation of due process and the New Hampshire Bill of Rights. In 2019, the New Hampshire Legislature passed House Bill 455, repealing the death penalty and now Addison’s attorney said that legislative action shows that the death penalty should never be allowed in the state.

Michael Briggs’ mother was in the court room yesterday.

The judge asked attorneys for both sides to flesh out some arguments, and they will be back in court in 30 days.