Crime & Safety

New Hampshire Cold Case Seminar Draws Investigators From All 6 New England States

State and regional investigators met in Pembroke to discuss forensics, genealogy and cross-border work on hundreds of unsolved cases.

Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, chief of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, makes a statement during the one-day cold case seminar held in Pembroke on Sept. 18.
Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, chief of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, makes a statement during the one-day cold case seminar held in Pembroke on Sept. 18. (New Hampshire Attorney General's Office)

CONCORD, NH — State officials hosted investigators from across New England this month for a seminar on Friday focused on cold cases, as the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit said the gathering was designed to strengthen regional cooperation on long-unsolved investigations.

The seminar was held at the Pembroke National Guard Readiness Center.

Investigators from all six New England states took part to share investigative strategies, exchange expertise and build cross-border collaboration on unsolved cases.

Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Attorney General John Formella gave opening remarks and a keynote address, emphasizing the state's commitment to justice for victims and families.

Also Read

“Achieving full participation from every New England state at this year’s seminar is a testament to the shared dedication across our region to solving these challenging cases,” Formella said. “The collaboration and knowledge exchange that took place at this gathering are essential. When we pool our expertise, leverage emerging technologies, and break down jurisdictional barriers, we significantly increase our ability to uncover new leads and bring closure to families who have waited far too long.”

Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The agenda included presentations on the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's role in unidentified human remains and historical cases, case studies from the FBI Boston Cold Case Team, and technology used in investigations, including Tranquility AI and Othram. The seminar also included case reviews, discussions on unidentified remains and investigative genetic genealogy, and a case presentation led by members of the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit.

The release said Commissioner Robert Quinn of the New Hampshire Department of Safety delivered closing remarks.

Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, chief of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, said the turnout underscored the value of a regional network.

“The presence of every New England Cold Case Unit here today sends a powerful message,” he said. “It means that whether a case crosses a state line or spans decades, we have a unified, regional network ready to support the investigation. We are continually refining our tools, from genetic genealogy to advanced forensics, to ensure that no victim is forgotten.”

The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit is also asking the public for tips in unsolved cases.

Anyone with information can call the Cold Case Unit Tip Line at 603-271-2663, email coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov, or submit information through the state Department of Justice cold case webpage.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.