The Disappearance of Maura Murray

Former NH State Trooper With Troubled Past Says Maura Was Murdered, Buried Under Suspect’s House

Posted on by James Renner

Earlier today, a Facebook profile linked to a former NH State Trooper posted a number of alarming claims on a page run by Maura Murray’s family.

James A. Conrad claims Maura was murdered, her body buried under a suspect’s new house, and that the state police and prosecutor’s know this but lack the evidence to dig her up.

Take a look at some of these screen captures from the ongoing group discussion.

This profile purports to be the same James A. Conrad who threatened to kill fellow state troopers during a series of events that occurred in 2007 when his wife was separating from him. A trooper himself, at the time, he gave an emotional resignation at the barracks after being accused of entering his ex’s home and then threatened to pull another trooper’s gun to force them to kill him, a form of suicide known as death-by-cop. All this according to court records.

At one point Conrad was even chased by police. When they pulled him over, they found he was driving his personal vehicle with what appeared to be a police scanner.

In 2008. Conrad was award a $1.5 million judgement by a jury after suing the state for wrongful imprisonment during this encounter.

This information — about Maura being murdered and buried under a house — is new and goes against much of what we’ve learned in the last few years. But Conrad has taken to social media saying he has first-hand knowledge of details of the investigation and that this is what the detectives believe happened to Maura Murray.

    • 72 thoughts on “Former NH State Trooper With Troubled Past Says Maura Was Murdered, Buried Under Suspect’s House”

    1. I have to question the validity of Conrad's statements. Like you said, it goes against much of what is known. Furthermore, why would he come out about it just now? If he's been off from the force since '07, he could have been more open about things sooner. This could be him just trying to get some news, or it could be some sort of revenge to put pressure on others in the force.

    2. I made the mistake of engaging him on the thread… it sounds like he is saying it was Rick Forcier (who lived near the crash site… his trailer was searched). Usually I am a lurker… why did I decide to do something differently today?

    3. Because of this guy's erratic behavior I have to be dubious that this is legit, but I hope so badly that I'm wrong and he's being honest, and that I'll lead to answers in this case.

      1. Cadaver dogs can find traces of human remains after decades, so it wouldn’t be unreasonable, though police refuse to follow up.

    5. Or it might just be true… Or maybe someone is getting really close to the truth and he doesn't want them to find out for some reason. I still feel something is up with law enforcement in this case.

    6. I find it ironic that this was posted on a Facebook page ran by the Murray family. Do they feel the pressure and that someone's getting close to finding her so there trying to push the dirtbag theory instead of her being alive.
      Why now come out and say this, if he's been off the force since 2007 why claim this in 2015?
      If he's talking about Forcier didn't the police pull his old house over and they didn't find any evidence of Maura being there.
      If this is true then why hasn't the police tried to get a warrant to search this persons new house. Don't they want answers to this 11 year old case?
      Im skeptical of the timing of this ex trooper saying this. Right when these podcast are coming out and shortly after Renners episode.

    7. Remember what Fred Murray said in 2004 on that episode of Montel Williams?

      He said something to the effect that if police went down the street a bit more they could have picked up Maura and she would still be here…but they didn't.

      It makes you wonder. Is Fred alluding to the idea of MM being at RF's house? Did police share this theory with him? It makes you wonder if the "dirtbag" scenario wasn't necessarily Fred's own idea to begin with…

    8. I recall a very similar theory being espoused by a self-proclaimed local to the area some time ago on the old topix thread (I believe that's where it was) – suspect was not RF but someone else whose family I believe had a construction operation of some sort and had laid a foundation almost immediately after Maura disappeared. The implication was that her body was hidden in that foundation – which would make it hard to stumble upon but well-preserved once stumbled upon. I think the suspect was also related to someone in the DA's office (possibly by marraige). Does anyone else remember this "tip" coming up? It sounds quite similar to what's being said by Conrad.

    10. Conrad is directly implicating Forcier. Cops apparently believe he did it but can't prove it. Strange though that no search warrant has ever been sought to dig under the foundation of the house built next to the trailer. Forcier supposedly sold the house and I would expect the new owner does want cops looking for a body under the basement floor.

    12. I'm not so sure that's who he is talking about. There was someone else who poured a foundation not long after her disappearance.

    13. I like the direction this case is heading. I have said a few years back that I have thought a NH state cop is involved. I think we are getting warmer. How is the weather in NH this time of year?

    15. This is too creepy but I too have always thought that Maura went missing by someone in a uniform that being a LAW enforcement uniform.

    16. Yes, I went back and found the archived topix thread last night after reading this. The alleged "suspect" was/is married to one of the prosecutors or assistant prosecutors up there. Alleged burial site might be in a concrete foundation in Benton? Hard to make sense of topix threads so not sure how seriously to take it but apparently Helena Murray was aware/interested in this theory because they pasted a redacted message from her taking about it. The date on the topix discussion is January 6, 2011. I'm not making any claims to the validity of the theory, it just rang a bell when I read this post – the whole scenario that lots of insiders know exactly where she's buried but for whatever reason can't/won't follow through.

    17. Could this be about the cop who has no radio contact for several hours.
      I also think that if something happened to Maura at the crash site, someone in uniform would be the connection. That could explain why the police made mistakes.
      I've also wondered if Somebody was with Maura riding tandem , she wrecks and when the person with her notices , turns around, and when they came back either Maura was gone or a policeman was there so they got out of there without Maura. Perhaps they couldn't find her.
      They stay silent so if 1. Something happened to her, they aren't blamed
      2. In case she is Alive they don't get her in trouble
      Could it be the family covering up something and the police are covering up something else?
      If this is what happened to Maura then she deserves Justice. 11 years is long enough!!!
      I still feel this could be a way to make people believe she was murdered instead of Alive.
      Is someone close so someone is trying to divert the attention elsewhere?

    18. Who was the LE that was spotted driving "the loop" supposedly looking for Maura after the accident? I can't find the thread on topix anymore. Maybe the same one who had no radio contact for several hours?

    19. Here is what I think happened:

      The stress of many events in Maura's life lead her to plan a getaway road trip, researching rental properties in the Bartlett NH and Stowe VT areas. After investigating rentals and researching details, she embarked on her journey in the Saturn, eventually beginning to drink at the wheel. After losing control of her vehicle in Haverhill NH, she crashed and was approached by a witness, who offered to call the police since there was no cell service at the location. She resisted help and pleaded with him not to call police, but sensed he would call anyway. Maura fled on foot to avoid a DUI, and the red pickup truck witnessed was a local person with a police scanner helping look for a person radioed as potentially injured, on foot, seeking help (plates being NH plates mistaken for MA.) Maura was at this point fleeing the crash site. She was inebriated, alone, cold, desperate, far from home, in the dark with no car or cell service. The adrenaline of fleeing was turning to panic quickly and she approached a different nearby residence in hopes of getting out of sight before police arrived and possibly using a landline to eventually arrange a way home. Surprised, "the resident" let her in and offered hospitality. Police arrived at the abandoned vehicle nearby and Maura is forced to reveal to "the resident" that driving while intoxicated was her reason for her hiding inside from police, not returning to her car. Seeing this as opportunistic leverage to make a deal, "the resident" made an advance at Maura, offering to continue concealing her from police for "favors." Maura sensed danger all too late as “the resident” revealed himself as a predator, and a struggle ensued as she tried to escape. Maura was overpowered and subdued, possibly during a panicked effort to prevent her from screaming, as police could have still been within walking distance outside of the residence. “The resident" eventually transports a subdued Maura, quite possibly to a construction site associated with a profession as a contractor. In transit, heading towards a location to silence and dispose of Maura, she reaches a patch of cell service and discreetly dials her boyfriend Billy for help, leaving the vague voicemail reported. "The resident" proceeded to silence and dispose of Maura. Months later, growing increasingly paranoid, “the resident" realized the need for an alibi. Out of the blue, they volunteered a story to police about spotting Maura on foot that night while commuting home from a worksite. “The resident" was cleared of any involvement and eventually moved out of state. If this theory is correct, solving this case is hinged on the (now former) resident talking, Maura's remains being found at a site tying to a profession as a contractor, or associates of this person bringing forward incriminating details.

    22. Hit and run theory:

      Maura had been lending her Saturn to an "unknown individual" who did not have a vehicle, potentially another male or female student living on campus. Maura trusted this person. The night of the hit and run on campus at UMASS, Maura lent her car to the "unknown individual". This person hit an intoxicated pedestrian, Petrit Vasi, panicked and fled. They then called Maura while she was working her campus job and told her everything, at which point she had the emotional breakdown reported. The pressures of her recent legal troubles, now mounting with the stress of her vehicle being involved in “killing” Petrit Vasi, making her an accomplice, rendered her inconsolable. This is where Maura and the "unknown individual" devised a plan to dispose of her Saturn in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to hide any of Petrit Vasi's DNA or damage from the hit and run. This was an area Maura new well, and the plans may have involved submerging the car or pushing it off a cliff. The "unknown individual" drove a red pickup truck in tandem since after disposing of the vehicle, the two were to hide out in rental condos together in NH and/or VT for a few days and then return UMASS where Maura would report her car stolen. This would explain the witness report of a suspicious red pickup truck with MA plates in the area. The entire plan went wrong in an instant when Maura accidentally crashed and police were called. Now the vehicle they intended to hide from authority, was quite literally being handed over to authority. Police would know Maura was there that night, and worse of all would now be able to investigate the Saturn in connection with the hit and run if two and two were put together. Maura, shaken up, now had to improvise and asked witnesses not to call the police. She fled on foot, seeking cell service to inform the tandem driver of the accident while still hoping she could report the car as stolen once back at UMASS. After spotting Maura and picking her up, the two took off in the red pickup truck where panic ensued on part of the "unknown individual.” This person knew Maura could no longer report the car as stolen, because eyewitnesses could identify Maura as being at the scene of the accident. The "unknown individual "needed to prevent authority from A) ever knowing they was involved in the hitting Petrit Vasi, B) ever knowing they were in on plans to ditch the car, and C) ever knowing they were in New Hampshire that night. Ultimately, it was certain that Maura would be investigated to some degree by authority regarding her abandoned vehicle and she was the only other person who could expose the truth about Petrit Vasi. In the vehicle, plans changed when the "unknown individual” concluded that Maura knew too much. The red truck was in transit, now headed towards the wilderness to silence and dispose of Maura. After all, no one knew that "unknown individual” was there with her, only Maura was confirmed by witnesses and authority would assume she fled and died of exposure. Maura now realized her driver’s dark intentions, and discreetly dialed her boyfriend Billy for help when she found a patch of cell service, leaving the vague voicemail reported. The "unknown individual" proceeded to silence and dispose of Maura at a remote location. Petrit Vasi lived, but remembers nothing of the incident. If this theory is correct, solving this case is hinged on the "unknown individual" being revealed by UMASS friends of Maura who had knowledge of their relationship, or Petrit Vasi being able to identify the driver.

    23. Canada Theory:

      The pressure and emotional turbulence of many events in Maura's life involving West Point, the credit card arrest, car accidents, relationships, alcohol issues, and possible involvement in the Petrit Vasi incident lead to her orchestrating the staged car accident in Haverhill NH involving a trusted family member or friend driving a red pickup truck. After ditching the car at the crash site and refusing assistance from witnesses, she panicked when she realized she didn't have cell service to communicate with the getaway driver. She fled a short distance on foot to get out of sight, potentially to find cell service, or possibly to reach a predetermined pickup spot. The red truck lurking in the area finally saw her and picked her up (hence the witness report of a red pickup truck in with MA plates acting suspicious in the area on this night). As suggested by her dorm computer, Maura had researched rental condos in the Bartlett NH and Stowe VT – possible areas where they could lay low, making their way to Canada where Maura would be dropped off and set up to secretly start a new life. An emotional and unsure Maura, grieving the loss of her relationship with boyfriend Billy, called him one last time jeopardizing the entire plan, but left a blank message when he did not answer. Plans moved forward. With the help of the trusted tandem driver, Maura proceeded to successfully fake her own accident / abduction / demise in the United Sates. If this theory is correct, solving this case is hinged on the trusted family member or friend revealing information on involvement, prior ownership of a red truck, or Maura being positively identified in Canada where there have been many intriguing sightings reported.

    25. I thought they traced that phone call back to the Red Cross trying to get in touch with Billy no?

    26. Say the call was Red Cross, and remove the Maura voicemail element from the theory. It's still a decent one. If this guy is the perp, it fits the short timeline of her vanishing. Police need a break allowing them to recheck this guy's alibi, and the somehow, the foundations of all the houses he built in that time frame.

    27. Voicemail wasn't Maura, so "The Resident" as you call him could have murdered her during the initial struggle you depicted here.

    28. One additional piece of info: the $1.5M civil judgement in Conrad's favorite was eventually vacated. Personally, it sounds like he has an axe to grind.

    29. That was Cecil, the first officer on scene. Lets not forget, shall we, that a NH state trooper always was at the scene but when, for how long, where he came from and where he went no one seems to know.

    31. Didn't Butch Atwood say something about him believing she was harmed by some prominent political person LE was afraid of? I think I read that on this blog?

    32. I always hear stories of cold cases where there's supposedly bodies/evidence in/around a house that's been sold to new owners and I cant help thinking that if I owned a house and there was a rumor that there was a BODY buried on my property I'd MAKE the cops come dig everything up and check. YIKES

    33. I swear I remember this Conrad posting in the comment section of a 10 year anniversary news article basically saying the same thing without as much detail. I remember it wasn't just one comment. It was a conversation with someone Maybe it wasnt Comrad, but another LE dude that worked on the case. I wish I could find it. I will keep looking.

    34. I'm really surprised at how many people here are discounting the cop, solely because he had a troubled past. Guys, use some common sense! Just because someone has a troubled past does NOT mean he can't be telling the truth about this case!

      I actually do hope he's lying, because I want her to be alive. But regardless, we can't just write him off just because he is a shady guy at times.

    36. The cop has a questionable past for sure but, this would be an odd way to smear NH police. He's simply claiming they have knowledge of her murder and lack the evidence to act upon it. Surely if he was trying to make them look bad he'd come up with something better than this…

    38. I just saw the same thing in a topix forum I believe but it was nearly identical I had to recheck the date thinking it was referencing this but it was much older.

    39. I agree. He's not trying to make NH police look bad either. There's no implying they are incompetent, just that he believes they don't have evidence on this suspect. I think it would be irresponsible not to follow up with this. James needs to interview this guy.

    41. Maybe they don't have the evidence in hand, but this dude does say point blank that they DO have probable cause to search the premises that supposedly harbors that "evidence", and that they are neglecting to follow through with it.

      He talks about the prosecutors not having enough of a case to pursue, and that's fair in itself I guess, but the cops neglecting to check it out despite having all the probable cause they need is entirely different.

      In any case, I feel like the guy is taking the opportunity to a.) put forth his own take on the case, and b.) take a shot at those who he sees as having wronged him, whether in the context of the case itself or his separate issues within the NHSP etc.

      That doesn't mean he's full of shit entirely, and I don't think he should be discounted, but as presented above his story stinks. I agree it would be a great move for Renner to reach out to him. If Conrad even remotely cares about Maura as a human being, rather than a source of petty retrospective grievance, he will be into it.

    42. Good post. My gut feeling is that he's just spewing speculation as a means of making his former employer look incompetent. Assuming, however,that his comments have a sound factual basis, he's said enough that he would not have much to lose by spilling whatever remains to Renner.

    43. James, have you ever personally talked to this guy? If not sounds like it might be worth a shot to see what else he has to say or if he could provide more details. I know most people aren't believing him but he was right there, he knew the investigators; what he's saying it's unbelievable. Yeah he's done some questionable things but even a broken clock is right twice a day

    45. So this unknown individual borrowed her car but had a red truck? Or was that borrowed as well? It seems in the snowy weather this unknown individual would rather drive a truck then a car.

    46. Let's keep in mind one thing here: Maura has been missing for over 10 years. She's gone. Vanished. Something happened to her. I think a lot of folks dismiss the idea of foul play because, what's the chance a killer is just driving by? Again, she's gone without a trace. That alone takes an unlikely chance encounter and puts it into the realm of possibility.

      The cop might be on to something, he might not. But to dismiss this and focus solely on the notion that she voluntarily disappeared because Fred is suspicious and there is no body well, that is a disservice to anyone who simply wants the truth.

    47. I believe the above scenario is what happened. I'm in complete agreement with it. She didn't run away and start a new life. She had a chance encounter with a predator after her car accident. Someone who took advantage of her panic and perhaps inebriated state of mind. The "volunteered story" about seeing a girl running that night is just that, a story. I can remember making some very stupid decisions when I was her age and in college. I can't imagine the terror and fear she must have felt when she realized she had walked out of the dark, cold night and into the house of monster. She deserves justice.

    49. I go back on forth as to whether I think there's validity here. On one hand, this comes from someone who would be close to the investigation who would have direct knowledge of the case and the case findings to date. On the other, this guy seems to be one who has had a tough time mentally. I'm not sure why he would have posted all this information on the family Facebook page and nowhere else. Being close to the investigation doesn't necessarily mean he's telling the truth. James quoted a source close to the investigation who believed there was a tandem driver who picked Maura up on Route 112 that night after her encounter with Butch. I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, he said "it's the only thing that makes sense"? Why would he have said that if this is such common knowledge among investigators? They have a suspect but can't get a warrant after 11 + years? I'm just saying, I feel like we would have heard this from somewhere else a little earlier than this. Just my honest opinion! I'm inclined to believe James' source before I believe this guy.

    52. Wow, sounds like you've solved a crime and are ready to hang a man based on what? Conjecture. It is more likely you took advantage of her and are trying to blame an innocent person in order to get yourself off the hook.

    54. Just some food for thought…there was another missing person case in NH where a guy vanished from his job. At first, no one had the slightest clue what happened. All the same speculation we have with Maura occurred – Homicide? Suicide? Ran away?

      Years later, police were able to form a timeline, establish what they think happened and identify a person of interest. Numerous tips started to come in, all naming the person and various details of the crime. Police were extremely confident in this person of interest, naming him numerous times in the media. But ultimately they lacked a few things – 1) confession 2) a witness willing to come forward officially 3) a body.

      Despite that, the case has been cold for over a decade, even with a viable suspect. Perhaps, the police were premature to name him but there are examples of cases were police lack a last piece of the puzzle to obtain a warrant and/or to move forward. This could very well be possible with Maura, too. In contrast, police have been extremely mum about the case, so without knowing what LE knows, there could be a lot of possibilities we don't know about.

    61. What does it go against exactly? She vanished from her stalled car. In the middle of nowhere.

    67. I'm wondering if this officer that stated she's buried under house, if he is referring to Claude M. There seems no lack of suspects in New Hamshire. lol @ psychic Bruno, " there are plenty of nuts in the woods" 🙂

    69. You armchair paranoids are all overdosing on CSI. This is Woodsville, NH area…nothing but vast woods for miles. A drunk girl already depressed & running away from her life gets into a minor accident during her flight. What does she do? She certainly does NOT get kidnapped. She walks away from the scene. Away down the road. Away into the woods. And those woods are what claim her. It's as simple as that. You think it is likely that you would find a body in that vast stretch of nothing? Especially with animal activity? I think not. As a resident familiar with that part of New Hampshire, it's just another case of (wo)man -vs- wild. And the mountain always wins.

    70. Lets not forget Haverhill has a bad heroin epidemic, so it's not just nuts and trees, their crime rate is very high there with 62 sex offenders, sheesh.

    71. To me, the theory up above, is a bit to detailed for someone, who was not there…makes me wonder.
      And~ I have never believed she ran away, or was a hit and run.

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