Panel appointed to review NH police chief's death

CONCORD, N.H. (WHDH) -- A panel has been established to investigate the tragic shooting death of Greenland, New Hampshire Police Chief Michael Maloney last month.

New Hampshire Attorney General Michael Delaney is providing more details of the drug bust turned shootout that left the police chief dead and four other officers injured.

How did 29-year-old Cullen Mutrie manage to shoot five police officers during an attempted drug raid on his home? Delaney says his drug task force had the authority to barge right in unannounced, but they chose to knock at the door.

"We have learned that they did not hear anything inside the residence," Delaney said.

When no one responded, six drug task force members broke down the door and were immediately fired upon. Mutrie shot four of them right away; two in the chest at the front door. Luckily, all were wearing body armour. Chief Maloney pulled up when the raid was beginning.

"The uninjured officers and Chief Maloney took heroic actions to approach the officers and get them to a point of safety," Delaney said.

Delaney says there was then a lull during which Maloney sought cover behind his cruiser, but he was then shot in the head and killed.

"He was looking over at the residence and after a pause in activity, witnesses have identified two additional shots," Delaney said.

 Delaney has appointed a four-member task force led by former Nashua Chief Don Conley to review the shooting.

Delaney says there will be no attempt to lay blame. Details of he incident will be made public, but any suggested changes in police procedures will not.