WILTON, N.H. (AP) – The boyfriend of a Wilton woman found dead in their home during the weekend has been charged with stabbing her to death.

Authorities say 34-year-old Benjamin Duling was arrested on Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 35-year-old Shelly McGrade. He appeared in Milford District Court later with a bandaged hand and entered no plea.

McGrade was found dead at her home Friday night. Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin said McGrade died of two stab wounds to the neck and back.

“They were in the midst of an altercation when this occurred,” Strelzin said. “There was a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old present during the altercation. The defendant brought both of them up with him to the neighbor’s house.”

Strelzin said a 911 call was made from the house, calling in a medical emergency because Duling’s hand was injured.

Authorities said Duling and McGrade lived at the house for several years and both worked at the Lowell, Mass., school district office.

“I have not received any of the evidence,” defense attorney Ed Cross said. “There’s nothing I can really say about the case. I can tell you that Mr. Duling right now impresses me as someone why is totally emotionally overwhelmed at what’s happened.”

Duling was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on May 6.

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Information from: WMUR-TV, http://www.thewmurchannel.com/index.html

AP-ES-04-22-08 1744EDT