Families of the Missing and Murdered Demand Action from N.H. Attorney General
. Concord, N.H. - A coalition of families of the missing and murdered in New Hampshire are joining forces to demand answers from the States’ Attorney General, John M. Formella, and New Hampshire public officials. With over 130 active missing persons and murder cases that remain unsolved in New Hampshire, the coalition of families are insisting that the Attorney General improve communication, reform the victim advocacy program and secure justice for the victims. The stagnation of the investigations, communication gaps, and shared sense of apathy is the impetus behind these devastated families banding together. The group will gather at the Attorney General’s office at 33 Capitol Street in Concord, N.H. on August 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Families, advocates, and supporters are welcome to attend.
“The weight of our anguish grows heavier with each passing day, as the hands of time struggle to catch up with justice. Five years of waiting, five years of longing for answers, five years of unrelenting pain. Yet, we remain united, resilient, and unwavering in our pursuit for truth. Though the road may be long and treacherous, our determination shall never waver, for the memory of our beloved Trish fuels the fire within our hearts. Together, we shall persevere until justice finally finds its way home," said the family of Trish Haynes whose 2018 murder remains unsolved.
“35 years with no answers and lack of communication from authorities. Being the only known survivor of the Connecticut River Valley serial killer, I am their voices. I may have healed physically but mentally my pain still remains as fresh as the day I was attacked and stabbed 27 times and left for dead, I was 7 months pregnant and we both had to fight for our lives. So many questions and still no answers, so many lives affected by this monster. Cathy Millican, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Critchley, Bernice Courtemanche, Ellen Ruth Fried, Eva Marie Morse, Lynda Moore, Barbara Agnew, Heidi Lee Martin, and myself were just living our lives when evil stepped in uninvited. I just don’t want them to be forgotten."said Jane Boroski, the lone survivor of the unsolved Connecticut Valley River killer.
“It’s been 19 years since my sister Maura disappeared and we are still left without answers.My family has encountered roadblock after roadblock in our dealings with public officials. This lack of transparency and communication from New Hampshire makes the ambiguity of the tragic situation all the more unbearable. We are frustrated and we demand action,” said Julie Murray, older sister of Maura Murray who went missing in February 2004.
The goals of this initiative include:
Raising Awareness.Many cases have received no coverage or exposure. This effort will help bring those victims into the public consciousness to promote a renewed focus on the investigations.
Reforming the Victim Advocacy Program.Victims and families often do not know who is in charge of their cases and find their inquiries go unanswered. Many haven’t been assigned or in contact with state appointed victim advocates. The program is ineffective. To the families, this is the bare minimum.
Improving Communication with Investigators. Advocates and families regularly send in leads and tips, but are met with silence, without even an acknowledgement of receipt. Families understand the complexities and ongoing nature of these investigations and are not seeking to jeopardize law enforcement proceedings; however, they will no longer tolerate being completely ignored.
Securing Justice for the Victims. The ultimate goal is to achieve justice for these unsolved cases and bring resolution to the families left behind in the wake of these tragedies. This will take more understanding, cooperation, and communication between investigators and victims/families.
Individuals can join the effort and learn more about the advocacy initiatives of the families of the missing and murdered in New Hampshire by emailing NHunsolved@gmail.com.