Son Arrested After Kidnapping and Brutally Beating His Elderly Parents

A New Hampshire man is in jail after allegedly confining and brutally attacking his own parents, authorities say.

Nathaniel Kay, 42, faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, criminal restraint, and assault, according to the Belmont Police Department. He was arrested on October 15. The victims, Kay’s 82-year-old father and 77-year-old mother, reportedly endured hours of violence at their home on Cotton Hill Road in Belmont, about 40 miles north of Manchester.

Firefighters were first called early on October 15 after a 911 report said two people had fallen down the stairs. The caller, believed to be one of the victims, wasn’t sure if the other parent was conscious or breathing. Within minutes, police arrived and began investigating the alleged attacks.

According to charging documents, the assaults lasted roughly 12 hours. During that time, Kay allegedly punched and kicked his parents, tied them up with a clothesline, and dragged them into the garage before bringing them back inside for further attacks. One of the victims reportedly persuaded Kay to let them call an ambulance, under the condition that the injuries be blamed on falling down the stairs.

Officers noted visible bruising and blood throughout the home, including on clothing found in a hamper. The father later told police Kay had strangled him with a rope. Both parents were hospitalized—the mother for a brain bleed and the father for a broken nose and ribs.

Belmont Police Chief Stephen Akerstom described the case as unusually prolonged. “Usually, we respond to incidents like this shortly after they happen. Not over the course of 12 hours,” he said.

Kay initially faced domestic violence charges, but more serious charges were filed as the investigation continued. He is currently being held in preventive detention, and the case has moved to Belknap County Superior Court. No court date has been set yet.