Maura Murray disappearance investigation
A purported 2026 DNA discovery on Maura Murray's car headliner has been genealogically linked to a local family with a history of violence, and ground-penetrating radar revealed an anomaly beneath a basement floor near the crash site, with investigators reportedly preparing for a trial as of March 20, 2026. As of February 10, 2026, investigators are employing new technologies like facial recognition and LiDAR in the ongoing search for Murray, who disappeared 22 years ago. The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit actively investigates, receiving weekly tips, and items from Murray's car are undergoing advanced DNA testing, while her family renews legal efforts to access state police case files.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
March 2026 — 1 developments
A purported 2026 DNA discovery on Maura Murray's car headliner has been genealogically linked to a local family with a history of violence.
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
Investigators are employing new technologies, including facial recognition and LiDAR, in the ongoing search for Maura Murray, who disappeared 22 years ago.
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.
A vigil was held on February 9, 2026, marking 22 years since UMass student Maura Murray disappeared after a car crash in New Hampshire.
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.
The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office has confirmed its Cold Case Unit is 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
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.
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.
Maura Murray disappeared on February 9, 2004, and her family continues to seek answers 22 years later.
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
Dr. Phil suggests a lack of police interest is concerning in Maura Murray's disappearance. Investiga…
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
A fingerprint found on a CD in Maura Murray's car has reportedly been identified as belonging to an acquaintance from West Point.
A fingerprint found on a CD in Maura Murray's car has reportedly been identified as belonging to an acquaintance from West Point. This new detail was discussed in a Reddit thread in April 2025.
March 2025 — 1 developments
A YouTube video from March 2025 claims that a New Hampshire State Police investigator had previously…
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
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.
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
Fred Murray confirmed that Maura moved her car after the accident.
Fred Murray confirmed that Maura moved her car after the accident.
In March 2022, approximately 30 property owners in Haverhill, New Hampshire, sent a letter to law en…
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.
In January 2022, Maura Murray's case was added to the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Profile (ViCAP) registry.
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.
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.
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
New Hampshire State Police and Fish and Game Department personnel conducted a ground search in July …
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
Maura's father and boyfriend hold a press conference in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, bringing the case to public attention.
Maura's father and boyfriend hold a press conference in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, bringing the case to public attention.
Haverhill police officer Cecil Smith arrives at the crash scene at 7:46 PM, but Maura Murray is gone.
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.
At approximately 7:27 PM, a local resident reports a car off the road on Route 112 in Haverhill, NH.
At approximately 7:27 PM, a local resident reports a car off the road on Route 112 in Haverhill, NH. A passing bus driver offers assistance to Maura, who declines, stating she had already called for help.
Maura withdraws $280 from an ATM in Hadley, MA, and purchases alcohol from a liquor store.
Maura withdraws $280 from an ATM in Hadley, MA, and purchases alcohol from a liquor store. She is also believed to have picked up accident report forms from the Hadley Police Station.
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.
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.