The New Hampshire Supreme Court upheld the convictions of Craig Keville for two counts of first degree murder and three counts of falsifying physical evidence. This ruling, issued on August 19, 2026, confirms that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The decision impacts the families of the victims, Holly Banks and Keith LaBelle, as well as the broader community concerned with violent crime and justice.
The case stems from a tragic incident that occurred on April 27, 2022, when both Banks and LaBelle were found dead in Banks's apartment. The court's ruling reinforces the importance of evidence in securing convictions for serious crimes, highlighting the role of circumstantial evidence in establishing guilt.
Background
Craig Keville and Holly Banks had previously been in a relationship, living together in Gorham, New Hampshire. Following their breakup in January 2022, Keville moved to a new apartment in Berlin. The events leading to the murders began on April 26, 2022, when Banks was at Fagin’s Pub in Berlin, where she was seen with LaBelle.
During the evening, Keville sent several texts to Banks, expressing his frustration and concern about her being with another man. Witnesses at the pub described Keville as aggressive, and after being asked to leave, he did so but not before alarming both Banks and LaBelle. Later that night, Banks texted LaBelle confirming her address, while Keville's phone records placed him near her apartment shortly after midnight.
The Ruling
The court ruled that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to uphold Keville's convictions. The justices noted that the circumstantial evidence pointed strongly to his guilt. They stated, “The evidence supports that the defendant had the means, motive, opportunity, and intent to commit the murders, and that he exhibited a consciousness of guilt after committing them.”
The ruling was delivered per curiam, meaning it was issued by the court collectively rather than attributed to a specific judge. The justices reviewed the evidence in the light most favorable to the State and concluded that the jury could reasonably find Keville guilty based on his aggressive behavior earlier that evening and the timeline of events that followed.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for future cases involving circumstantial evidence. It underscores the court's willingness to consider a range of evidence, including text messages, surveillance footage, and cell phone data, in establishing guilt. The decision affirms that a lack of direct evidence, such as fingerprints or blood, does not preclude a conviction if the circumstantial evidence is compelling enough.
For the families of Banks and LaBelle, the court's decision provides a sense of closure, confirming the jury's findings that Keville was responsible for the tragic deaths. It also serves as a warning to others about the consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such behavior before it escalates to violence.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Keville plans to appeal the ruling. Given the nature of the case and the evidence presented, it is unclear if there are any related cases pending that might impact this decision.