Over the past year, despite the pandemic, our family has continued to move forward searching for Maura and we'd like to update everyone on recent developments to include an exciting new partnership.  

Our family is consulting with Dr. Maurice Godwin, PhD, a renowned forensic profiler specializing in investigative psychology, crime scene analysis, missing persons, and geographic profiling of abductors and serial murders.  He is an expert in his field; has appeared on national TV and news segments, authored several books, and runs his own forensic consultancy group out of North Carolina.   

Dr. Godwin met with my father last month in New Hampshire to review the area on Route 112 where Maura’s car was found.  They spent a couple days visiting areas of interest and discussing details of her disappearance.  Dr. Godwin is a true professional and we are grateful to have someone of his caliber on the case.   Some of you may be familiar with his work on the DC sniper and Tara Grindstead case.  He prides himself on finding evidence that others have missed, something that we so desperately need.  Thank you Dr. Godwin!

Over the past few years our family has obtained several samples from multiple areas of interest for testing. With mixed emotions we can report that the majority of the samples were either too degraded to provide definitive results or could not be connected to Maura at this time.  Two of the samples were sent to labs in California and Florida for headspace analysis and an advanced technique called LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectroscopy).  We are hopeful those tests will produce some results.  For a grieving family desperate for answers this was disappointing; however, after some reflection we realized we can now shift focus elsewhere. 

Additionally, during the spring we worked with an independent cadaver dog, who searched an area of interest from a tip provided by a local.  The cadaver dog did not alert at this location.  Nonetheless, the search continues and we remain hopeful. 

A note on the trolling:  We are aware of the trolling surrounding Maura’s case.  We believe it is the work of a sadistic coward who has been trolling the case for a very long time.  His behavior calls into question the sourcing behind much of the information reported as fact in Maura’s case.  We are actively working with the authorities to put an end to this cruelty.  Julie speaks to Amanda Knox about this topic, specifically Ethics in True Crime Journalism, in Season 2 of her podcast Labyrinths, and we will post the episode on the media page on the official website once it is released. 

From an early age, Maura and I competed along side each other in athletics, creating a bond we share to this day. On May 4, 2021 Maura would celebrate her 39th birthday and if she were here, I know we would start the day off with a workout - and probably end it with some friendly banter and beer!

To honor and remember Maura on her 39th birthday, our family, her friends, and supporters across the country are virtually participating in the first annual Maura Murray WOD (workout of the day) on May 4, 2021. It's the perfect way to remember Maura - breaking a sweat!

The WOD (aka, workout) consists of two events with special significance to Maura; a 2 mile run and 82 burpees. Maura’s best race was the 2 mile run and Maura’s birth year [82] will be the number of burpees guaranteed to make you sweat.

Supporters can join us by ordering an exclusive 2021 Maura WOD t-shirt by April 13th to wear during the workout. You'll break a sweat, honor Maura, and walk away with a Maura WOD t-shirt! Share photos, videos, and the results of your workout on May 4th via social media and use the hashtag #MauraMuscle to inspire others as we honor and remember my little sister Maura.

I look forward to seeing everyone [virtually] on May 4 and as always, thank you for your love and support - Maura would be amazed.

Background. A WOD is an official functional movement workout performed on a given day. Maura’s older sister and former teammate, Julie Murray, designed the Maura WOD based on a workout she wishes they could do together on Maura's birthday [May 4]. The workout is for everyone, and the 2 mile run and 82 burpees can be scaled to a 1-2 mile walk and 82 alternating step-ups depending on your fitness level.   

On the evening of February 9, 2004, my sister Maura disappeared after her car crashed on Rt. 112 in Haverhill, NH. For sixteen years, a blue ribbon has been placed around a tree near the location Maura was last seen before she vanished without a trace. With no grave to visit or ashes to scatter, Maura’s blue ribbon serves as a symbol to remember and honor her. 

My family and I are very excited to share the newly re-vamped website dedicated to all things Maura.  Maura was born on this day 38 years ago, as such we think it is fitting way to celebrate her birthday.   Our new site is a tribute to Maura and a resource for the public who have helped keep her memory alive and continue to play an instrumental role in our search for her.  The site serves as the sole resource for information relayed directly from our family and it is our hope that this will help to eliminate some of the confusion surrounding the multiple social media groups related to Maura.
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