Swanzey man set for trial in attempted murder case

Prosecutors say the case spans roughly eight months, from October 2024 through May 2025.

James Bostwick, 32, is expected to go to trial next month on accusations that he tried to kill a woman he knew and repeatedly assaulted her in Swanzey.

He is charged with attempted first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree assault involving domestic violence and strangulation, one count of witness tampering, two counts of domestic violence criminal threatening with a deadly weapon, and two additional counts of second-degree assault involving domestic violence and strangulation while he was released on bail.

Prosecutors say the case spans roughly eight months, from October 2024 through May 2025. They allege the first incident occurred around Oct. 15, when Bostwick allegedly threatened to burn the woman with a lighter. In December, he is accused of threatening her with a knife.

Court records and police say the violence continued in February, when Bostwick, already free on bail in another case, allegedly strangled the woman twice. Prosecutors also contend he later tried to keep her from reporting what happened, and in April allegedly threatened to kill her if she appeared at a Keene District Court hearing.

The final alleged attack came in May, when police said Bostwick again strangled the woman and fled after causing serious injuries. Authorities said he surrendered later that day. The woman was hospitalized with airway damage, according to police.

New Hampshire law defines strangulation as deliberately pressing on a person’s throat or neck, or blocking the nose or mouth, in a way that interferes with breathing, circulation, or the ability to speak. Domestic violence experts note that strangulation is widely seen as a major warning sign for future deadly abuse.

People affected by violence can find help through the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention at https://mcvprevention.org/. Support is also available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting BEGIN to 88788, as well as the New Hampshire helpline at 1-866-644-3574.