Murray Family Locates One of Maura's Last Known Contacts

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This blog is dedicated to Maura and designed to tell her story while providing updates on her case from the family.

Murray Family Locates One of Maura's Last Known Contacts

8/18/2021

In a meeting with law enforcement (LE), I was shown the user name and redacted instant messages from an unknown person who was in contact with Maura in the days leading up to her disappearance. LE asked if I recognized the instant messenger user name, but I did not. However, I did some basic internet searches and was able to identify them. I reached out in hopes they may remember something, anything. Well, I finally received a reply back.

This person and Maura were West Point classmates and became friends, keeping in contact when she transferred to UMass. This individual was also perhaps the last person to communicate with Maura before she disappeared (although LE did not confirm).

I was very disappointed to learn that neither LE nor anyone else had ever reached out to them. A thousand questions ran through my mind, but mostly, why didn’t LE talk to one of Maura’s last known contacts? I was able to find them using my very limited resources - Google and alumni network mainly. They were willing to answer questions and truly wanted to help, but unfortunately they just couldn’t remember the context of their conversations some 17 years later. One thing they did clear up was the identity of a person in a photo with Maura that I have been trying to identify for years. The person confirmed it was them. I asked if they still had their computer/hard drive from back then, but they had gotten rid of it several years ago. My heart sank as I realized my hopes were shattered yet again.

I can’t help but wonder if LE would have contacted this person sooner - or contacted them at all - if we would be any closer to answers.

Unlike LE, we do not consider Maura’s disappearance a cold case. Many people have expressed an interest in learning more about our efforts to find Maura, so I plan to share more updates in future. I also want to thank those members of the community that have reached out to express their support and empathy in recent weeks, and who have strived to maintain the focus on Maura. We are grateful to those who share our genuine desire to find answers and help us bring Maura home.

22 Comments

Carmela Quail link

8/18/2021 11:52:28 am

Julie thank you so very much for sharing this information with those of us who are not buried in the trolling drama and are still here to support your family. There are so many who only want to focus on finding Maura and supporting her family.
I can not even imagine how you are dealing with this news and knowing that LE never followed up on such a simple thing to do!!!! So very sorry!!!!
Sending love and positive energy your way!🙏💜😘

Chandler M

8/18/2021 12:13:20 pm

I would carefully ask them not about messages but if you could see Mauras MySpace friends list and look to see if any locals from Woodsville, Haverhill, Benton area are on there.

8/18/2021 12:27:24 pm

It is encouraging to hear that you are still able to track down any information at all even if it wasn't completely fruitful.

John A Wojcik Jr link

8/18/2021 01:33:27 pm

Has anyone thought about going to approaching the vidocq society or seeing if NH and MA would ever get this law instituted

Alex Clogston

8/18/2021 01:50:47 pm

I can't imagine your family's frustration with the early investigation, or lack thereof in instances. At least you were able to answer one question. Keep pulling those threads. We'll keep ignoring the white noise, and just hope it goes away. Best of luck!

Valerie Messina

8/18/2021 05:00:26 pm

It just amazes me how many balls were dropped in this investigation. Of course it would be difficult for this person to remember a conversation from so long ago. However, one would hope that if this person was truly a friend, and the conversation was at all relevant, they would have come forward at that time. I always hope someone comes across that one thing that opens the door to solving this and finding Maura.

Mja Inc Investigations link

8/18/2021 05:07:15 pm

This is very good news & it might be the same person we have been trying to identify for several years..Good-Work..Keep your head up for this person might just remember something else later down the road that might help..

Barbara J.Lojko

8/18/2021 05:15:56 pm

Dearest Julie & family,---- I can only imagine, finding out, this friend of Maura's, had Never been contacted/ interviewed... I empathize completely.We Are ALL here, to "Lift Up + Support"--- your Search for truths".... ⚖️🏛️ Sincerely-- ✨Barbara Lojko✨

DIANE EDWARDS ANGER

8/18/2021 05:19:08 pm

Yes Julie,
Keep on keeping on. You are doing a great job. If I can help in any way to research someone or something. I will help in anyway that I can. And I really wish you could make use of that search technology from the University in Quebec. I think they may have some research grants to help out as well. And if you guys need more funds for heavens sakes just ask. Nothing to be quiet about. Speaking for myself, but also I believe there are many others who are willing to help. Diane

Tanya Sharman

8/18/2021 05:20:53 pm

When I first found out about Mauras disappearance it was on nukes top 5 I did research on what happened and also watched the documentary on the case which was well done. The only thing I didn’t like was the psychic they used supposedly not knowing about case and saying I see a bridge. I mean there are those that are legit but I don’t think she was. Anyways I hope you get more answers. I am praying that more comes up. And I am hoping you get that memorial put up I was the tree was taken down.

Jamey Evans

8/18/2021 05:27:11 pm

Seems like I would remember what I talked about if the person went missing and was never seen again. Maybe that’s just me though.
Thanks for posting and best of luck.

Fernand Robichaud

8/18/2021 05:44:49 pm

While it would have been interesting to hear what they had discussed, it is fair to assume that had it been of significance, this last person would have come forward had it been anything related to Maura's disappearance. This is confirmed by this individual's inability to recall the content of their exchange(s), had it been of significance, the individual would have remembered, in my opinion.

Sarah Javorsky

8/18/2021 06:10:16 pm

You should see if you can contact LE and have them look over the old messages with her

Diane colliers

8/18/2021 06:22:39 pm

Breaks my heart. Maybe in time she will remember something. I know this may be way out there would she might be interested to being hypnotize? I know it's out there...maybe she would be willing. I might be over stepping here but it's worth a shot! I pray every night for your family...for you health, and strength for you to continue on without the people causing you problems. Most of us have come to love you and your family and only want the best for you....Gods speed !

8/18/2021 06:23:39 pm

Valerie brings up a very eyebrow-raising point…

Why did this person not engage or offer any assistance when they certainly learned someone they had just talked to was missing? I’m sure there are people who get nervous of being a suspect if they’re one of the last people in contact with someone…but if you’re a genuine, honest person…why hide yourself and stay anonymous?

Celina G

8/18/2021 08:16:33 pm

This seems like a promising lead, hopefully something will come back to this person in time or they will find something that could shed some light on what happened.

Brittany D

8/19/2021 05:19:28 am

I was really excited to see there was some new info about this case. Even though not much was gained from it, I really hope this person will remember something that may help. Very disappointed the police didn't do this years ago. Heartbreaking to think your family could have answers or even Maura had this case been properly investigated from the beginning. Even though I never met Maura I think of her often and pray she's finally found.

8/19/2021 07:54:15 am

The police didn’t investigate a lot of aspects of Maura’s final days, the last people she talked to, etc. This could indicate that they have some detail from the scene that leads to someone locally in NH. Maybe one of the witnesses that night gave additional detail they the PD hasn’t released. I have to believe this is the reason they neglected to follow up with Maura’s last phone calls, last IM conversation etc. They took back her computer which might be an indication that they believed she had communicated w whoever their suspect might be/ or some prelates to the suspect. In this light Maura’s IM conversations would be important.

8/19/2021 01:00:29 pm

As a former follower on Reddit I was heartbroken. Keep on the search for answers. Maura is so lucky to be loved by everyone. Sending love from the other Haverhill (MA), ❤️

Debi Ruggles

8/19/2021 06:27:03 pm

Julie, I’m so sorry to hear this. If it’s a woman maybe in time will think, a Man , probably not . Someone mentioned being hymotized(? I think this is an excellent question. Something to think about. I pray for you and your Family. I also pray we can get the Historical Marker push going again. Keep fighting the good fight 💙💙

Lisa Rollins

8/19/2021 06:34:31 pm

Wow that's amazing work. I find it odd this has not been followed up on before. Where has this person been all these years? They must have know of Maura's disappearance.

Shirley James link

8/20/2021 03:43:47 am

Your sister most likely got in a car with someone who offered to help her. But they may have not had truly good intentions. So she could be many miles from where she disappeared which makes it even harder to even know where to begin. But hopefully when she does turn up the dots will be connected even if it is a long ways from her disappearance sight. May God be with your family. And know that her resting place is known and marked by her heavenly Father.

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Murray Family Locates One of Maura's Last Known Contacts

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