Maura Murray Disappearance Investigation

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SUMMARY

The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and FBI are actively investigating the 2004 disappearance of Maura Murray, a UMass student, in New Hampshire, utilizing advanced forensic techniques including LIDAR, facial recognition, AI analysis, and genetic genealogy as of July 31, 2026. A potential person of interest, Stefan Baldwin, has been identified due to fingerprints found on a CD case in Murray's car, though he denies involvement. As of July 31, 2026, investigators are re-examining passport and border records for a 'Canada connection,' exploring leads from online sleuths, and preparing for a trial following a purported 2026 DNA discovery linked to a local family and an anomaly found by ground-penetrating radar near the crash site. The Cold Case Unit receives weekly tips and plans a targeted search in the White Mountain National Forest based on new cell phone data, while Murray's family seeks access to state police case files.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

July 2026 2 developments

  1. New Investigative Techniques Deployed in 2026 for Maura Murray Disappearance Case

    In 2026, the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and FBI are actively investigating Maura Murray's disappearance using advanced forensic techniques like LIDAR and facial recognition, alongside AI analysis of case files and digital forensics. Efforts also include re-examining passport and border records for a potential 'Canada connection,' and investigators are exploring leads from online sleuths regarding a local resident with a criminal history.

  2. Maura Murray Case: Person of Interest Identified After 22 Years

    A potential person of interest, Stefan Baldwin, has been identified in the Maura Murray disappearance case due to fingerprints found on a CD case in her car. The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit is actively investigating, utilizing new technologies and genetic genealogy, with hopes for a resolution. Baldwin denies any involvement in the case.

March 2026 1 developments

  1. 2026 DNA Discovery on Maura Murray's Car Linked to Violent Local Family

    A purported 2026 DNA discovery on Maura Murray's car headliner has been genealogically linked to a local family with a history of violence. Ground-penetrating radar also revealed an anomaly beneath a basement floor near the crash site, and investigators are reportedly preparing for a trial.

February 2026 3 developments

  1. Investigators use new tech in search for Maura Murray 22 years after disappearance

    Investigators are employing new technologies, including facial recognition and LiDAR, in the ongoing search for Maura Murray, who disappeared 22 years ago. Her family continues to seek answers and believes the case is solvable, urging investigators to utilize more resources. The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit receives tips weekly and follows up on them.

  2. Vigil Marks 22 Years Since Maura Murray Disappeared; Investigators Use New Tech

    A vigil was held on February 9, 2026, marking 22 years since UMass student Maura Murray disappeared after a car crash in New Hampshire. Investigators are continuing to use new technologies like facial recognition and LiDAR, and the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit receives tips weekly. An age progression photograph was released on February 9, 2024, showing what Murray might look like today.

  3. New Hampshire AG's Cold Case Unit Actively Investigating Maura Murray's Disappearance

    The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office has confirmed its Cold Case Unit is actively investigating Maura Murray's disappearance. The unit is utilizing new technology and federal partnerships, employing advanced techniques not available when Murray vanished 22 years ago.

January 2026 2 developments

  1. NH State Police Plan New Search in Maura Murray Case, Family Renews Legal Efforts

    New Hampshire State Police announced plans for a targeted search in a previously unexamined area of the White Mountain National Forest, based on new cell phone data. Separately, items from Maura Murray's car are undergoing advanced DNA testing, and her family is renewing legal efforts to access state police case files.

  2. Maura Murray's Family Continues Search for Answers 22 Years After Disappearance

    Maura Murray disappeared on February 9, 2004, and her family continues to seek answers 22 years later. Regular tips are still being reported to the state police and attorney general hotlines, and the case is getting regular attention.

December 2025 1 developments

  1. Dr. Phil raises concerns about police interest in Maura Murray case; James Renner unearths new clue

    Dr. Phil suggests a lack of police interest is concerning in Maura Murray's disappearance. Investigative journalist James Renner claims to have unearthed a new clue that could help solve the case.

April 2025 1 developments

March 2025 1 developments

  1. NH State Police Investigator Considered Steffen Baldwin Primary Suspect in Maura Murray Disappearance

    A YouTube video from March 2025 claims that a New Hampshire State Police investigator had previously considered Steffen Baldwin, whose fingerprint was found in Maura Murray's car, a primary suspect in her disappearance.

February 2025 1 developments

  1. Julie Murray theorizes Maura's dorm room was not packed, contradicting police reports

    Recent court filings from 2023 include new analysis from collision experts, and a fingerprint was reportedly found on a water bottle near the crash site. Maura's sister, Julie Murray, now theorizes that Maura's dorm room was not packed, contradicting early police reports.

February 2024 4 developments

  1. Haverhill Property Owners Send Letter to Law Enforcement Over Harassment from Maura Murray Sleuths

    In March 2022, approximately 30 property owners in Haverhill, New Hampshire, sent a letter to law enforcement expressing concerns about harassment from amateur sleuths investigating Maura Murray's disappearance. Residents have reported uninvited visitors and disruption due to ongoing interest in the case.

  2. FBI adds Maura Murray's case to ViCAP, releases age-progression photo

    In January 2022, Maura Murray's case was added to the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Profile (ViCAP) registry. On the 20th anniversary of her disappearance in February 2024, New Hampshire cold case investigators released an FBI-produced age-progression photo of Maura Murray.

  3. Maura Murray's Sister Launches Podcast, FBI Adds Case to ViCAP Registry

    Maura Murray's sister, Julie Murray, launched a new podcast titled "Media Pressure" on February 5th, aiming to accurately tell Maura's story and encourage new information. Additionally, the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Profile (ViCAP) registry addition in January 2022 was made at the request of the New Hampshire Office of Attorney General.

July 2022 1 developments

  1. NH State Police and Fish and Game Conduct Ground Search for Maura Murray

    New Hampshire State Police and Fish and Game Department personnel conducted a ground search in July 2022 in Landaff and Easton, off Route 112, in connection with Maura Murray's disappearance. This extensive search of previously limited areas was part of an ongoing investigative process.

February 2004 5 developments

  1. Haverhill Officer Cecil Smith Responds to Crash Scene, Maura Murray Missing

    Haverhill police officer Cecil Smith arrives at the crash scene at 7:46 PM, but Maura Murray is gone. Her vehicle is found locked with deployed airbags, a cracked windshield, and various personal belongings inside, including an empty beer bottle, a damaged box of wine, and a AAA card. Her debit card, credit cards, and cell phone are missing and have not been used since.

  2. Maura Murray emails professors, work, and boyfriend, inquires about rentals before disappearance

    Maura Murray sends an email to her professors and work supervisor stating she would be away for a week due to a death in the family, which her relatives later confirmed was untrue. She also emails her boyfriend, Bill Rausch, and makes calls inquiring about a condo rental in Bartlett, NH, and to a Stowe, Vermont tourism number.