Robert Eastman in court on April 7, 2025, in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (WMUR).
As far as the children of Laurie MacLellan are concerned, her killer, Robert Eastman, should never see freedom again.
Rob received a strong rebuke from Laurie’s daughter, Nicole MacLellan, in a court session in New Hampshire. Nicole expressed her disgust at Rob’s actions, wishing for him to remember the consequences of his deeds daily, be imprisoned indefinitely, and never experience freedom again. She condemned him, calling him the lowest of the low and a complete waste of space, and hoped his family would acknowledge his despicable behavior.
The report described the victim and her killer as having been in an on-again, off-again relationship.
Prosecutors said the defendant stabbed the victim, who was 59 years old, 24 times. He pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder.
Laurie MacLellan’s son reportedly blasted Eastman, 56, as a “foul, disgusting” man.
Laurie’s son, Brandon MacLellan, reflected on his mother’s positive attributes, highlighting her roles as a mother, grandmother, friend, and gentle spirit that held significant importance in their lives. He lamented the tragic day when Robert callously took Laurie’s life, emphasizing that she was snatched away from their world the moment Rob became a part of her life.
Despite being sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, Eastman could seek freedom in the future. By displaying good conduct in the initial five years of his sentence, he might reduce his minimum term by up to two years. Nevertheless, a suspended sentence of a potential seven years for charges of tampering with evidence and driving as a habitual offender looms over him for a decade following his potential release from incarceration.
Eastman’s attorney on Monday read a letter on his behalf, in which he asserted he loved Laurie MacLellan.
“I hope each of you in some way can find some comfort knowing that I am haunted by this every day,” the letter stated, according to ABC affiliate WMUR. “I never wanted to hurt Laurie, and as hard as it is to believe, I do love her.”
“Today’s guilty plea and sentence send a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated in the Granite State. While we can never fully heal the pain endured by Ms. MacLellan’s family, we hope this outcome provides them with a sense of relief and justice,” said state Attorney General John M. Formella in a statement. “I would also like to express my gratitude to our trial team for their dedication and hard work in securing this conviction. Our office remains steadfast in holding offenders accountable and ensuring that those who break the law face the full consequences of their actions.”
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