Sandown resident John Kratz Jr., 64~, was shot last week at the eatery at 4 South Main Street. A week after a shooting there claimed the life of one of the restaurant’s proprietors, a small flower memorial and an American flag are still present in the parking area of Lobster Claw II in Derry. After being transported to Manchester’s Elliot Hospital, he was declared dead. According to a statement from the state Attorney General’s office, John Kratz, 27, of Candia, was detained and charged with the second-degree murder of his uncle. He is said to have “knowingly caused the death of Mr. Kratz Jr. by shooting him with a gun.”
According to an autopsy, the death was caused by a “gunshot wound to the head” and was therefore ruled a homicide. On May 18, Kratz was charged in Rockingham County Superior Court and detained without bond. As the inquiry goes on, a reason for the murder is still unknown. The incident happened on May 17 at around 5:48 o’clock.
When Derry police came, Kratz Jr. was suffering from a gunshot wound. The younger Kratz was subsequently identified through further inquiry and later detained on suspicion of killing his uncle by shooting him. Several members of the neighborhood instantly shared details of what they heard or saw after learning about the incident on social media. Before an arrest was made, the young athletes on a nearby Derry park’s sports teams were sent home.
Some people observed police activity on a video that was recorded at the Derry traffic circle, which is adjacent to Lobster Claw II. But most people paid tribute to Kratz Jr., adding that he always treated his clients with kindness and warmth. Some people have visited the restaurant to pay their respects in the week since the shooting, even though it was earlier this week still shuttered. In the limited interactions I had with him, Metts observed, “He seemed friendly and cordial.” “Whenever I would order and pick up food, he treated me well and was friendly.”
He was a devoted family man who loved his wife and son dearly, the page reads. He was really concerned about providing for his family. He put forth a lot of effort and devoted his entire life to being a good, God-fearing spouse, father, and friend to many.
Many people placed flowers in the parking area, and a large sign at the company, presented by Kratz Jr.’s brother, said “R.I.P” my darling brother. Together with his brother Lee Kratz, Kratz Jr. owned a portion of the restaurant. John Jr. was a polite and helpful businessman in the neighborhood, according to Rick Metts, the previous owner of Clam Haven, which was next to Lobster Claw II. Rick said he dealt more with brother Lee than with John Jr. A GoFundMe campaign has been created online to support the family.
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