Newton Teen's 1980 Disappearance Draws Renewed Appeal From NH Cold Case Unit

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit has renewed its public appeal for help in the disappearance of Rachael Garden, a 15-year-old last seen in Newton on March 22, 1980.

Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announced the renewed request for information on behalf of the unit. According to the announcement, Garden was last seen while walking home from Rowe's Corner Market on Pond Street in Newton. She has not been heard from since.

Extensive searches have yielded no results. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance suggest foul play was involved, officials said. The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and local authorities are actively investigating the case and seeking new information that may help resolve it.

“Forty-six years is a long time for a family to wait for answers. But for our investigators, the passage of time only strengthens our resolve,” Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, chief of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, said. “We believe there are people who have information that could be the missing piece in this case. We urge them to come forward.”

At the time of her disappearance, Garden was wearing a two-tone blue ski parka, jeans, and a plaid shirt with silver threads, according to the announcement. She was also described as wearing brown lace-up shoes and carrying a dark blue tote bag with the word “Things” printed on it.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen or had contact with Garden on March 22, 1980, to come forward. They are also seeking information about her disappearance or the people she was last seen with, according to the announcement.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit by email at coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov or by phone at 603-271-2663. The announcement said all tips can remain anonymous.