Marine Kills Ex in Front of Daughter, Gets Life

Dustin Duren, a 32-year-old Marine, received a sentence of 45 years to life for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Caitlyn Naffziger. The crime occurred on February 29, 2024, at Duren's apartment in Berlin, New Hampshire. Naffziger was fatally shot while cradling their four-year-old daughter, who witnessed the horrific event. Prosecutors argued the killing stemmed from Duren's desire for control and rage during a bitter custody dispute.

Duren testified that he believed Naffziger intended to kidnap their children, which fueled his violent actions. He pulled their daughter away before firing the fatal shot. The child, found unharmed later, recounted that her father hurt her and mommy and that there was 'lots of blood.' Following the shooting, Duren fled with his daughters, triggering an Amber Alert, but they were later found safe.

Victim impact statements highlighted years of domestic violence and the profound grief caused by Naffziger's death. Duren's defense argued he believed he was protecting his children. Despite his claims of misunderstanding and past mental health struggles, the court imposed a severe sentence for the senseless act that tragically cut short Naffziger's life.