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NH Cold Case Solved: Missing Woman Identified After Decades

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 2:34 GMT by WMUR
      Locales: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

Seabrook, N.H. - A decades-long mystery has finally been resolved with the positive identification of remains discovered near Black Point in Seabrook, New Hampshire, in 1987. Authorities confirmed today that the remains belong to Patricia Wride, a young woman who vanished from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1978. The breakthrough comes thanks to advancements in DNA technology and the burgeoning field of forensic genealogy.

The announcement, made by New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, brings a measure of closure to the Wride family after nearly four decades of uncertainty. "This is a significant step forward in bringing closure to Ms. Wride's family," Formella stated, praising the persistent efforts of investigators and forensic scientists.

The initial discovery of the remains on May 16, 1987, sparked an investigation that, for years, yielded no positive identification. Traditional methods of forensic analysis proved insufficient to determine the victim's identity. The case went cold, a haunting reminder of unsolved disappearances that plagued the era. However, the case was never truly closed, remaining a file actively reviewed when new investigative techniques emerged.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young explained the turning point. "We've been working on this case for decades and the recent advances in DNA technology along with genetic genealogy have allowed us to finally identify Ms. Wride." This process, involving the extraction of DNA from the skeletal remains and comparison with publicly available genealogical databases, allowed investigators to build a family tree and ultimately confirm the identity of the victim.

The Power of Forensic Genealogy

Forensic genealogy, a relatively new tool in law enforcement's arsenal, has become increasingly crucial in solving cold cases. It utilizes DNA extracted from unidentified human remains and compares it to DNA profiles available through consumer genealogy services like AncestryDNA and 23andMe. While direct matches are rare, investigators can identify distant relatives of the deceased, building a family tree that narrows down potential identities. This technique requires specialized expertise and often involves obtaining court orders to access relevant genetic data. The success in the Wride case highlights the potential of this technology, but also raises questions about privacy concerns and the ethical implications of using genealogical data for criminal investigations.

Patricia Wride: A Life Cut Short

Patricia Wride was just 22 years old when she was last seen on March 18, 1978, at a bar in Portsmouth. Her disappearance triggered a local search, but yielded no immediate leads. The lack of information fueled speculation and anxiety within the community. Details surrounding the circumstances of her disappearance remain scarce, and investigators are now renewing their appeal for information.

Homicide Investigation Continues

While the identification of Patricia Wride is a major breakthrough, the case is far from closed. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is now officially classified as a homicide. The focus has shifted from identifying the victim to determining the circumstances surrounding her death and bringing those responsible to justice.

"We're asking anyone who has any information about Ms. Wride's disappearance or death to come forward," Young urged. "Even if you think it's insignificant, it could be helpful." Investigators are particularly interested in anyone who may have known Patricia Wride, frequented the same bar she visited in 1978, or observed anything unusual in the Seabrook area in 1987.

The New Hampshire State Police are handling the investigation and can be contacted with any relevant information. The reopening of this cold case, fueled by scientific advancement, demonstrates a commitment to justice for victims and their families, no matter how many years have passed. This case serves as a potent reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the pursuit of truth can prevail.