Man arrested in June shooting death of Billy Jo Ahearn

Billy Jo Ahearn; inset her accused killer Justin Belanger

CONCORD - An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for a man in connection with the June death of Billy Jo Ahearn in Rochester.

Justin Belanger, 19, who is currently in custody in Maine, has been charged with two separate counts of second degree murder, one for knowingly causing the death of Ahearn, 24, by shooting her with a pistol; and alternatively for recklessly causing the death of Ahearn under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life, by shooting her with a pistol.

Ahearn's death occurred early the morning of June 6, 2018, sparking an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, in conjunction with the Attorney General's Office

Ahearn was shot while she was walking near Friendly's restaurant on South Main Street in Rochester around midnight. She died from a single gunshot wound.

Officers responded to the area for a reported shooting incident that apparently involved two groups of people.

Upon arrival, officers discovered three adults, including Ahearn who had sustained a gunshot wound.

Once Belanger completes his sentence at Cumberland County Jail in Portland, he will be detained on the arrest warrant and transported to New Hampshire for an arraignment.

It is anticipated that he will complete that sentence in Maine on Friday.