'Killed him like a coward': Man who admitted bludgeoning acquaintance to death with metal pipe sentenced

Background: Ryan Barden (WMUR). Inset: Jared Daily (Dignity Memorial).

A New Hampshire man will spend decades in prison after admitting to fatally striking a man in the head with a metal pipe.

Ryan Barden, 32, was sentenced to 37 years to life in state prison on Thursday for the murder of Jared Daly, 32, authorities announced in a news release . Barden had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, falsifying evidence, identity fraud, theft, tampering with witnesses and informants, and disobeying an officer.

The victim’s mother, Carol Daly, gave an emotional victim impact statement in court, according to Ray Brewer, a reporter for local ABC affiliate WMUR .

“Jared was my heartbeat. He was my baby, and I am thankful that Jared’s son was at my at house that night or would Ryan have killed him? Ryan didn’t give Jared a chance. He killed him like a coward from behind,” she said, the station reported.

According to WMUR, Barden and the victim knew each other. Prosecutors reportedly said that Barden’s former girlfriend was an old friend of Daly’s, and that she was staying at Daly’s apartment while trying to get away from Barden.

In a statement, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella said the sentencing marks a solemn conclusion to a tragic case.

“Mr. Barden’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing reflect the gravity of his actions in causing the death of Jared Daly and engaging in subsequent criminal behavior,” he said. “The court’s decision underscores our commitment to justice and holding individuals accountable for their crimes. Our thoughts remain with the Daly family, who have endured immeasurable loss. I commend the diligent work of law enforcement and our prosecution team who worked tirelessly to bring this case to resolution.”

New Hampshire Assistant Attorney General Josh Speicher said Barden was lying in wait, killed Daly, then stole his SUV.

“He continued to wait after Jared entered the apartment for the opportune moment and then attacked Jared from behind, bludgeoning him to death with a large metal pipe,” Speicher said, WMUR reported.

In court, Barden admitted it was “the worst mistake of my life,” the New Hampshire Union Leader reported.

The case came to light on Aug. 11, 2021. Nashua police conducting a welfare check found Daly dead in the living room of his apartment at 5 Hanover Street in Nashua. He is believed to have been killed two nights earlier and he died from blunt impact injuries to his head.

Barden was arrested the following month when a fugitive task force found him hiding in a bedroom closet in a home in Belmont, New Hampshire, about 60 miles north of where Daly was killed.

When he bailed out of jail, he broke into a tow yard where the victim’s vehicle was stored and retrieved the murder weapon, WMUR reported. Citing an indictment, The Nashua Telegraph reported he also tried to tell a witness not to say anything about what happened to Daly.

Daly’s obituary said he was outgoing and caring.

“Jared put his whole heart into everything and he gave 110% in all he did,” the obituary said. “He loved spending time with friends and family, and loved his sons and wife with all his heart. Jared loved Jesus and had a heart after God.”

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