The courtroom fell silent as Superior Court Judge John Kissinger Jr. delivered a chilling pronouncement, branding 27-year-old Logan Clegg a “stone-cold, violent murderer.” Clegg, who had been living in a tent in the New Hampshire woods, received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the brutal slayings of Stephen and Djeswende “Wendy” Reid. The retired couple, known for their international development and humanitarian work, were tragically gunned down during an afternoon walk near their Concord apartment in April 2022.
Logan Clegg being escorted into the Merrimack County Superior Court for his sentencing.
Clegg, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial and sentencing, vehemently denied any involvement in the murders. However, the jury’s October verdict painted a different picture, finding him guilty on all nine counts, including four counts of second-degree murder, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and four counts of falsifying physical evidence. The latter charges stemmed from Clegg’s alleged attempts to conceal the Reids’ bodies, burning his tent, and destroying evidence on his laptop.
A Trail of Lies and a Missing Motive
While the prosecution presented a compelling case built on Clegg’s inconsistent statements, his attempted flight from the state, and the firearm discovered in his backpack, the defense argued that authorities had apprehended the wrong man. They pointed to the lack of a clear motive and questioned the integrity of the evidence, suggesting that bullet casings were planted at the crime scene weeks after the initial investigation. This theory, however, failed to sway the jury.
Prosecutor Meghan Hagaman underscored the gravity of the crime, stating, “If there were a case to send a message to the community, it’s this one.” The defense, led by attorney Caroline Smith, countered that the sentence amounted to “life without parole,” disproportionate to the charges, and maintained Clegg’s innocence.
Remembering the Reids: A Life of Service Cut Short
Six of the Reids’ family members and friends delivered heart-wrenching testimonies, painting a vivid portrait of a compassionate and dedicated couple whose lives were tragically cut short. They recounted the Reids’ humble beginnings, their unwavering commitment to helping others, and their deep love for each other. The couple’s paths first crossed in the 1980s when Stephen worked as a liaison to several West African countries at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. Wendy, a Benin native and accomplished basketball player, shared Stephen’s passion for global service.
Keelan Forey, a niece of the Reids, addressed Clegg directly, expressing her sorrow and disappointment: “I pity how weak you are, how empty you must be and how you have wasted a perfectly healthy life.”
Clegg’s Defiance and the Path to Justice
Following the victim impact statements, Clegg took the stand, not to express remorse, but to reiterate his claims of innocence and accuse the detectives of misconduct, alleging they had “cheated” him out of a fair trial. He expressed confidence that a higher court would overturn the verdict, proclaiming, “No man with any pride or dignity gives up just because he loses a single battle, especially when he knows he’s in the right.”
Judge Kissinger dismissed Clegg’s accusations, emphasizing the overwhelming evidence against him.
Unraveling the Crime: A Timeline of Terror
The Reids were reported missing in April 2022, their bodies discovered days later, concealed beneath a layer of leaves and debris in a wooded area near their home. Clegg, who had initially provided a false name to authorities, fled Concord, burning his tent, erasing data from his computer, and purchasing a bus ticket. His journey, however, ended in South Burlington, Vermont, where he was apprehended with a one-way ticket to Berlin, Germany, a fake passport, and a loaded 9mm handgun in his possession.
Clegg being led out of the courtroom after receiving his sentence.
The defense argued that Clegg’s departure from New Hampshire was unrelated to the Reids’ murders, claiming he was evading authorities due to a probation violation in Utah. However, the prosecution linked shell casings and bullet fragments found at the crime scene to Clegg’s firearm, strengthening their case against him. The defense countered that the ballistic evidence was inconclusive, suggesting the casings could have originated from various weapons.
A Community Grieves, Justice Prevails
The double homicide of Stephen and Wendy Reid sent shockwaves through the Concord community, leaving residents reeling from the senseless loss. While the life sentences imposed on Logan Clegg bring a sense of closure, the profound impact of this tragedy will undoubtedly linger. The Reids’ legacy of service and compassion, however, will continue to inspire, a testament to their enduring impact on the world. This case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community vigilance.
The Future of the Case
While Clegg maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict, Judge Kissinger’s sentence effectively ensures he will spend the remainder of his life behind bars. The legal battles may continue, but for the family and friends of Stephen and Wendy Reid, the focus remains on honoring their memory and finding solace in the justice that has been served.
