The Caledonian-Record February 12, 2004

Haverhill - Police Ask For Help Finding Missing Woman

Gary E. Lindsley

Haverhill police officials have issued a plea for the public's help in locating a missing 21-year-old Massachusetts woman.

The woman, Maura Murray of Hanson, may be suicidal, according to a press release by Police Chief Jeffrey Williams.

Police began their search after they responded to a one-car accident on Wild Ammonoosuc Road in Woodsville, Monday.

When officers arrived at the scene of the accident, they found an abandoned, black 1996 Saturn bearing Massachusetts plates.

A search of the area for Murray by local police, New Hampshire State Police and emergency medical services personnel came up empty.

Witnesses who saw the accident told police they had seen a lone woman. They also said that it didn't appear that the woman had been injured in the accident.

When asked if she needed help or the police, she reportedly said, "No." She left the scene before police and EMS arrived.

Murray was last seen wearing jeans and a dark colored coat. She is a white female with brown, shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. She is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds.

Police say an intensive search is under way and is being conducted by the Haverhill Police Department, Troop F and New Hampshire Fish and Game.

A New Hampshire State Police helicopter also is taking part in the search.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen a woman matching Murray's description Monday near the accident scene at about 7 p.m. to contact them.

Additionally, anyone seeing her since the night of the accident should call the Haverhill Police Department at 603-787-2222.

Police believe Murray may be headed to the Kancamagus Highway area.