Suspect in Fatal Beating Due in Court Monday

A local man is facing a murder charge after he allegedly beat another man to death late Friday night outside a Somersworth Walmart.

Police say 52-year-old Brian Roberge was taken in on a single count of second-degree murder for his alleged role in the death of 79-year-old Jan Van Tassel.

Roberge reportedly is accused of repeatedly striking VanTassal in the head and face causing the older man’s death.

Authorities later determined that VanTassal, who lived in Center Ossipee, had been a volunteer firefighter.

Police say Roberge, who remains in custody, will go before a Somersworth judge Monday.