Alleged teen killer of Rochester woman faces arraignment today in Dover

19-year-old Justin Belanger, left, and Billy Jo Ahern.

DOVER - The Rochester man charged in the fatal shooting of a woman last June will face his first courtroom appearance in her death today in Strafford County Superior Court in Dover.

Justin Belanger, 19, of Lafayette St., has been charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of Billy Jo Ahearn, who died early June 6 just hours after being shot around midnight near Friendly's restaurant on South Main Street.

An arrest warrant had been issued for Belanger, based on alternative charges of second degree murder, for knowingly causing her death by shooting her with a pistol; and the other for recklessly causing her death under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life, by shooting her with a pistol.

On the night of the shooting Rochester Police responded to the area near Friendly's 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.

When the arrest warrant was issued, Belanger was in custody in Cumberland County Jail on an unrelated charge. He waived extradition to New Hampshire and was transported to the state on Thursday.

Belanger was scheduled to be arraigned in Strafford County Superior Court this morning at 8:45 a.m.

It was immediately unclear whether he would waive arraignment or appear in person at Superior Court in Dover.