State's Cold Case Unit sees boost in manpower

CONCORD - New Hampshire's Cold Case Unit will grow from one part-time position to two full-time roles, the Attorney General's Office announced on Tuesdasy.

The expansion was made possible because of additional resources that Governor Kelly Ayotte proposed in her first biennial budget that were adopted by the Legislature.

"As a former murder prosecutor and Attorney General, I know how painful it is for families when a case goes unsolved," said Governor Ayotte. "This is about delivering justice, no matter how much time has passed. That's why I included expanding the Cold Case Unit in my budget. By giving law enforcement the tools and support they need, we can pursue these cases with the urgency and care they deserve. I'm proud New Hampshire is the safest state in the nation, and we intend to keep it that way by continuing to invest in public safety."

Attorney General Formella echoed his support for the additional resources that will be brought to bear on unsovled crimes.

"This expansion strengthens our ability to focus even more New Hampshire Department of Justice resources on the Granite State's cold cases," he said. "By dedicating additional full-time investigators within our Office, we reaffirm our commitment to victims, their families, and the pursuit of justice, regardless of how much time has passed. We are grateful to Governor Ayotte and the Legislature for including funding for these additional resources in the latest biennial budget."

The new positions represent a substantial increase in the NH DOJ's in-house investigative contribution to the Cold Case Unit, which continues to operate as a multi-agency effort involving dedicated counterparts at the New Hampshire State Police, and in coordination with local, county, and federal law enforcement partners.

The Department of Justice defines a cold case homicide as one that is more than five years old, remains unsolved, and is no longer actively investigated due to limited leads or resources. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cold Case Unit at (603) 271-2663 or submit a tip online at www.doj.nh.gov/criminal/cold-case.