Bail Set for Woman Charged in Connection With Lizzi Marriott Murder

Appearing by video in Derry District Court on Wednesday, a Portsmouth woman arrested during the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Elizabeth 'Lizzi' Marriott never said a word as her bail was set at $35,000.

According to defense attorney Ryan Russman, Kathryn McDonough, 19, of McKinley Road was arrested on Christmas Eve as an attempt by the state to send a message to her about the seriousness of the charges.

McDonough is facing two felonies—Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution and Conspiracy to Commit Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.

New Hampshire assistant attorney general Peter Hinckley said there was no tactical or strategic reasoning behind the arrest.

According to investigators, McDonough gave a "false alibi" about both her and 30-year-old Seth Mazzaglia's whereabouts on the night of Marriott's disappearance. No detail was given as to the nature of the false alibi.

Mazzaglia was accused of killing Marriott in October and charged with second-degree murder.

Marriott, a student at the University of New Hampshire at the time, was last seen on Oct. 9. According to police, she was a marine biology student, completed a class at the Durham campus and said she was on her way to Dover to visit some friends.

A judge said on Oct. 16 that Mazzaglia reportedly strangled and suffocated Marriott.

Marriott's body has yet to be recovered in the ongoing investigation.

Hinckley said that McDonough and Mazzaglia were in a relationship at the time of the alleged murder.

Prosecutors suggested bail be set at $50,000, something that the defense took objection to.

"She is a young woman, only 19 years of age, she's obviously caught up in a very serious investigation," Russman said, adding that she just graduated from high school this year.

Russman added that the allegation is for deception, not murder, and that it is not an allegation that would suggest any kind of sinister act.

Russman said that he also grew up in McDonough's neighborhood. He added that her grandparents live across the street from her parent's house.

McDonough's parents were in attendance, represented by Atty. Jay Nadeau.

He said that the family would be more than happy to take McDonough in, a request that was made by Russman.

Conditions of McDonough's bail include no contact with the Mazzaglia family, a daily curfew, no traveling outside of New Hampshire and refraining from possessing a firearm. 

The next court appearance will take place in Portsmouth District Court.