The Patriot Ledger

May 7, 2004

Parents of 2 missing want more done; Will meet tomorrow to urge a harder look at possible connection

By Joe McGee

The parents of two young women, including one from Hanson, who disappeared in locations 100 miles apart this winter will hold a press conference tomorrow morning to request more help from the FBI.

Although police have not found a link between the cases, the families think more should be done to explore what they consider a strong connection.

‘‘Police have done a pretty thorough job, but I think it's time somebody comes in from the FBI to look at both cases, and look at these girls, and see if there is someone similar that came in contact with them,'' said Bruce Maitland of Vermont.

Maitland's 17-year-old daughter, Brianna, disappeared seven weeks ago after leaving her part-time job in Montgomery, Vt., about six weeks after Maura Murray of Hanson, a 22-year-old University of Massachusetts at Amherst student, disappeared in northern New Hampshire.

Murray was last seen Feb. 9 on Route 112 in Haverhill, N.H., where she was in a car accident. Police showed up within 10 minutes, but Murray was gone. Because there were no footprints in the snow, many think she was picked up.

Maitland disappeared on the night of March 19. Her abandoned car was found the next morning about a mile from where she worked. Ground searches in Vermont have not yielded any evidence.

Police in both states have shared information on the cases.

This week, a local contractor reported that he may have spotted Murray walking east on Route 112 shortly after her accident.

Despite that development, the women's families are growing frustrated. Murray's mother, Laurie, said all avenues must be explored.

‘‘They're two young beautiful girls and both disappeared about the same time,'' Laurie Murray said. ‘‘(The families) are getting together to compare notes to see if there are similarities. Evidently the police department feels there aren't any.''

The FBI's Boston field office controls investigations in New Hampshire. The agency's Albany, N.Y., office controls the Northern Kingdom region of Vermont.

Personnel from the Boston office interviewed Murray family members early in the case. Special Agent Gail Marcinkiewicz, spokeswoman for the Boston office, said the office continues to support the New Hampshire state police in their investigation.

Marcinkiewicz said the FBI has resources across the country and can conduct interviews in any jurisdiction.

The more help offered, the better, Laurie Murray said.

‘‘I want as much done as possible. It's awful. She's been missing for three months without a trace.''

The parents will meet tomorrow in New Hampshire.

Anyone with information is asked to call the New Hampshire state police at 603-846-3333 or the Vermont state police at 802-524-5993. Two web sites offer information and rewards: www.bringbrihome.org and www.spbowers.com/mauramissing.html.

Joe McGee may be reached at jmcgee@ledger.com.