Maura Murray Case Re-Opening

Here's a detailed timeline of events and a cast of characters based on the provided sources:

Detailed Timeline of Main Events

Before 1986:

• Prior to 1986: DNA is first used in a criminal case.

1986:

• 1986: Deborah Atrops and Robert Elmer Atrops marry.

1988:

• December 1988: Deborah Atrops is found strangled to death in the trunk of her abandoned car in Beaverton, Washington County, Oregon. Her blue coat and black heels are covered in mud. Detectives immediately focus on her estranged husband, Robert Elmer Atrops, as the primary suspect.

1995:

• April 21, 1995: Carbon Jane Doe's remains are found in a ditch in Kneehill County, Alberta, Canada. She had been there for 10-15 years.

2001:

• May 6, 2001: 3-month-old Jacqueline Vasquez is abducted in Avondale, Arizona.

2002:

• 2002: John Pearson's divorce proceedings include an unrelated warrant that needs to be resolved.

2004:

• February 9, 2004: 21-year-old nursing student Maura Murray vanishes after crashing her 1996 Saturn on Route 112 in Haverhill, New Hampshire. Witnesses see her at the vehicle asking for a wrecker but not police. Police arrive 10 minutes later to find her gone.

• February 10, 2004: Fred Murray states his belief that Maura was going to Bartlett, NH, a favorite hiking spot for their family.

• February 12, 2004 (or shortly after): Brian Kellogg (UMASS PD) interviews Julie Murray. Julie expresses concern that Maura might consider suicide and notes signs of Maura "dealing with _" and " again" (redacted details) at Christmas. She also mentions Maura's past at West Point, where she left after a "joke" theft from Fort Knox gift store.

• February 17, 2004: Bill Rausch discusses Maura's disappearance on CNN American Morning, stating she was seen at the vehicle just before authorities arrived.

• February 20, 2004: Sharon Rausch expresses concern that a "bad guy picked her up" and wishes the investigation was treated as a criminal case, urging FBI involvement. Search is suspended.

• February 27, 2004: Sharon Rausch, Bill Rausch's mother, expresses upset with the investigation, believing a "bad guy" picked Maura up.

• July 14, 2004: Another search for Maura Murray yields little. Items missing from her car include a black backpack.

• November 29, 2004: The Montel Williams Show features the disappearance of Maura Murray and other missing adults.

• Late 2004: Jeffrey Strelzin becomes involved in the Maura Murray investigation after the case transitions from another attorney.

2005:

• February 9, 2005: Maura Murray is remembered one year after her disappearance.

• December 29, 2005: Fred Murray sues the state and police over the investigation, seeking disclosure of information to help locate his daughter.

2006:

• January 29, 2006: The Boston Globe reports on Fred Murray's appeal for records, with Bill Rausch expressing confusion over why the request would not be granted.

• February 9, 2006: Maura Murray has been missing for two years.

• March 17, 2006: ABC's "20/20" on Investigation Discovery investigates missing co-eds Maura Murray and Brooke Wilberger.

• November 14, 2006: Fred Murray's appeal for records is heard in front of the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

2007:

• July 12, 2007: The Whitman-Hanson Express reports on differing witness accounts regarding a person seen at Maura's car; Faith Westman believed it was a man with a cigarette, while Tim Westman thought it was a woman on a cell phone.

2008:

• August 4, 2008: The families of Maura Murray and Brooke Wilberger form a bond, as featured on ABC News.

• November 25, 2008: Nancy Grace discusses Maura Murray's case, noting that investigators initially believed she escaped her life, leading to a delayed search (39 hours after the car was found).

2009:

• February 9, 2009: Five years after Maura Murray's disappearance, Fred Murray still desires FBI involvement.

2010:

• January 10, 2010: Investigation Discovery airs "Disappeared" Season 1, Episode 2, titled "Miles to Nowhere," covering Maura Murray's disappearance.

• February 8, 2010: "Miles to Nowhere" is featured again, discussing Maura's disappearance after driving 140 miles from her dorm.

2011:

• April 1, 2011: SOCO Magazine publishes "What Happened to Maura Murray," highlighting the ongoing questions for her family.

2012:

• February 21, 2012: The Daily Mail reports on a "sadistic madman" taunting the family with a trolling video on the 8th anniversary of Maura's disappearance.

2013:

• August 25, 2013: The New Hampshire Union Leader reports that a serial killer (Keyes) was in NH during a spree, and the FBI is seeking help tracing his travels for other victims.

2014:

• February 1, 2014: Boston Magazine article "Will The Internet Find Maura Murray" discusses the pros and cons of citizen sleuthing.

• February 8, 2014: New York Daily News reports on the ongoing torment and bafflement surrounding Maura Murray's disappearance. Investigator Healy suggests she "got into the wrong car" or "went to the wrong house."

2020:

• May 6, 2020: Julie Murray states her belief that Maura will be found and those responsible will be brought to justice, as the family launches a website.

• June 24, 2020: Julie Murray expresses confidence that the case will be solved with community energy. Obsessed with: Disappeared podcast features "The Disappearance of Maura Murray."

• June 25, 2020: Julie Murray opposes a bill to remove roadside memorials, stating the blue ribbon tree is the only sacred place for her family to remember Maura.

• July 22, 2020: The Murray family seeks a historical marker at the disappearance site, launching an online petition.

• July 23, 2020: Julie Murray states that a historical marker would galvanize people to continue fighting for answers.

• August 6, 2020: The family launches a Blue Ribbon Campaign to keep Maura's memory alive.

• August 11, 2020: WCVB (Boston) News features "Gone Without a Trace: The Maura Murray Story," with Julie Murray vowing to never stop fighting for answers.

• October 6, 2020: Julie Murray interviews her father, Fred Murray, for StoryCorps, archiving their discussion at the Library of Congress.

• October 15, 2020: State Rep. DeSimone supports the historical marker for Maura Murray, calling it a historical event.

• October 16, 2020: Fred Murray expresses his need for a permanent marker at the site.

• October 18, 2020: Kurtis Murray describes Maura as an amazing, brilliant, and funny person.

• October 19, 2020: Robert McDonald, West Point History Professor, submits a letter of support for the historical marker, citing his relationship with Maura and her boyfriend.

• October 22, 2020: A historical marker request is submitted for Maura Murray.

• November 16, 2020: The disappearance of a UMass student remains unsolved.

• 2020: Washington County District Attorney's Office secures nearly half a million dollars from the federal government to address cold cases involving identified DNA. Kevin Winfield is hired as a part-time, special deputy to head the newly formed cold case unit. A former DNA supervisor at the Oregon State Police Crime Lab is hired as a forensic consultant.

2021:

• January 25, 2021: Julie Murray discusses the "everlasting trauma" of an open-ended missing person case on the Riddle Me That! True Crime Podcast.

• February 9, 2021: A virtual vigil is held for Maura Murray on the 17th anniversary of her disappearance. Julie Murray expresses hope that someone knows something.

• March 1, 2021: The blue ribbon tree marking Maura's disappearance site is cut down. Julie Murray urges approval of a historical marker. Over 400 calls/emails and 3,400 petition signatures have been submitted in support of the marker.

• March 9, 2021: The family's request for a historical marker is denied by the NH Division of Historical Resources. Julie Murray states the family is appealing to Gov. Christopher Sununu's office.

• March 15, 2021: Fox 25 News (Boston) reports on the Murray family's ongoing fight for justice.

• March 22, 2021: Fox 44 News (Burlington) revisits the mystery.

• May 16, 2021: Julie Murray discusses the exploitation of Maura's story on the Stars and Stripes: Military Matters Podcast.

• June 16, 2021: Kevin Winfield and Allison Brown meet with Oregon State Police Crime Lab staff, including DNA analyst Heather Feaman, to discuss testing the Atrops evidence. Items selected for DNA analysis include a stroller, vehicle keys, a red dress, watch, and Deborah's blue coat. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is tasked with gathering DNA samples from Robert Atrops, his adopted daughter with Deborah, and any of Deborah's romantic partners.

• June 29, 2021: Kevin Winfield calls John Pearson to inform him that the Deborah Atrops murder investigation has been reopened and asks him for an interview and DNA sample. Pearson agrees but needs to resolve an unrelated 2002 warrant first.

• August 5, 2021: Investigation Discovery: Disappeared podcast features "Miles to Nowhere."

• August 13, 2021: Julie Murray discusses defending Maura's reputation from online shaming on the Shame Podcast.

• September 14, 2021: Human bone fragments are found on Loon Mountain, 25 miles from where Maura's car was found. Julie Murray expresses hope due to the proximity and Maura's familiarity with the area.

• September 15, 2021: Julie Murray urges patience and responsibility from the public regarding the bone fragments, emphasizing they are human remains and deserve respect.

• September 16, 2021: Newsweek reports on the family awaiting test results, and Julie Murray discusses the "double-edged sword" of internet sleuths.

• November 1, 2021: Diario AS (Spain) covers the discovery of bone fragments as a potential breakthrough. Western Mass News reports authorities confirmed the findings were skull fragments and diagnostic testing is pending.

• November 4, 2021: Sarah Turney and Julie Murray discuss the toxic true crime community surrounding Maura's case on the Voices for Justice Podcast. NME discusses the ethics of true crime, with Julie Murray highlighting the dehumanization of her sister online.

• November 10, 2021: NH State Police confirm the bone fragments are not connected to Maura Murray. Julie Murray expresses heartbreak but resolve to continue searching.

2022:

• January 16, 2022: The FBI creates a Violent Criminal Apprehension Profile (ViCAP) for Maura, indicating a belief in foul play. Julie Murray calls it "long overdue."

• January 18, 2022: N.H. State Police add Maura Murray's case to the FBI National Database. Julie Murray comments on the distortion and monetization of their family's tragedy by the true crime community.

• February 9, 2022: WMUR (Manchester) features "New Hampshire Unsolved Case File: Where is Maura Murray?"

• February 24, 2022: Sarah Turney's "Disappearances" podcast releases Part 1 of "Mauray Murray."

• March 3, 2022: Sarah Turney's "Disappearances" podcast releases Part 2 of "Interview with Julie Murray."

• March 7, 2022: MassLive reports on Julie Murray's use of TikTok to humanize Maura and the family.

• April 9, 2022: The "Me & My Friends" podcast features Sarah Turney & Julie Murray.

• May 25, 2022: Julie Murray speaks at a Victim's Family Forum on National Missing Children's Day, highlighting her fear that Maura's case will become "a file in a cabinet."

• June 15, 2022: "Hometown Tragedy: The Mystery of Maura Murray" is released on Very Local streaming channel.

• July 13, 2022: New Hampshire AG announces a large-scale ground search off Route 112 in Landaff and Easton, NH, about 5 miles from where Maura's car was found. Julie Murray finds this encouraging, as it aligns with an early tip from May 2004.

• July 20, 2022: Julie Murray speaks after the new search, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness.

• August 11, 2022: Julie Murray discusses the "dark obsession" and exploitation of true crime enthusiasts on The Independent.

• September 24, 2022: Julie Murray and Mariah Day participate in a panel discussion at the True Crime Podcast Festival, moderated by Eric Carter-Landin, on bringing the victim back into focus.

• Late November 2022: John Pearson is stopped by police in Prineville while inebriated and sitting behind the wheel of his car. He drives away, but is later charged with attempt to elude, drunk driving, and other offenses.

• December 2022: The Oregon State Police Crime Lab finds that John Pearson cannot be excluded as a contributor to DNA on a vaginal swab taken during Deborah Atrops' autopsy.

• December 30, 2022: "Maura Murray Missing" TikTok account of Julie Murray is recognized as one of the best true crime TikTok accounts of 2022.

2023:

• Early 2023: Robert Atrops is in jail, charged with Deborah's murder. John Pearson embarks on a monthslong road trip across the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, and California while his Crook County case is pending.

• January 18, 2023: Mass Live reports on upcoming billboards to raise awareness for Maura Murray's case.

• January 19, 2023: WCVB (Boston) News reports on new billboards for Maura Murray.

• January 26, 2023: Julie Murray discusses the ongoing struggle with tenses (is/was) when talking about Maura, and the changing nature of hope over time.

• January 30, 2023: Julie Murray discusses her "Engage with Empathy" campaign on the "Mind Over Murder" podcast.

• February 5, 2023: New billboards for Maura Murray are launched.

• February 8, 2023: Fox News reports on Maura Murray's disappearance 19 years prior.

• February 9, 2023: A vigil is held for Maura Murray to mark the 19th anniversary of her disappearance. Billboards are put up around Massachusetts. The Mystery Maven, Esq YouTube channel features "The Engage with Empathy Campaign" with Julie Murray.

• March 14, 2023: Julie Murray discusses her sister's disappearance and her efforts on "The FOX True Crime Podcast with Emily Compagno."

• April 23, 2023: Julie Murray discusses being a family member in true crime and ethics with Eric Carter-Landin on True Consequences Podcast.

• May 25, 2023: A new scholarship celebrating Maura Murray's life is announced.

• June 1, 2023: The Patriot Ledger reports on the inaugural Maura Murray Scholarship awarded to a Whitman-Hanson High School senior.

• June 2, 2023: A Whitman-Hanson Senior is awarded the Maura Murray Scholarship.

• June 23, 2023: "The Unfound" podcast releases "Maura Murray: Taking Chances Part 1 & 2" and "Maura Murray Is Still Missing with Julie Murray."

• July 11, 2023: The "Crime of the Truest Kind" podcast features "Maura Murray Is Still Missing with Julie Murray."

• August 5, 2023: The Concord Monitor reports on the NH Cold Case Unit's efforts and the families' frustrations.

• August 13, 2023: Families of missing and murdered individuals, including Maura Murray's family, join forces to demand action from the New Hampshire justice system.

• August 15, 2023: Families protest "inaction" from the state regarding unsolved crimes in New Hampshire. Julie Murray speaks about being ignored by the AG's office.

• August 31, 2023: The Murder Diaries [Podcast] features an interview with Julie Murray.

• November 15, 2023: Weird True Crime [Podcast] releases "Missing Maura Murray with Julie Murray: Fact versus Fiction - Part 1."

• November 22, 2023: Weird True Crime [Podcast] releases "Missing Maura Murray with Julie Murray: Fact versus Fiction - Part 2."

• October 3 (specific year not given, implied 2023 in context of other 2023/2024 dates): Defense attorney Janis Puracal questions Heather Feaman during a pretrial hearing, accusing the lab of not sharing initial tests that excluded Robert Atrops.

2024:

• February 1, 2024: CBS News reports on the Murray family starting a podcast.

• February 2, 2024: The Caledonian Record reports on the 20th anniversary, with Julie Murray stating the pain has been immense.

• February 5, 2024: Julie Murray's new podcast, "Media Pressure," premieres. She partners with Sarah Turney to tell Maura's story.

• February 8, 2024: The NH Cold Case Unit releases a new age progression photo of Maura Murray, showing what she might look like in her early 40s.

• February 9, 2024: News outlets mark 20 years since Maura Murray vanished. People Magazine reports on Julie's podcast efforts.

• February 13, 2024: Private Investigator Lou Barry, who worked with the Murray family, states he no longer believes Maura disappeared into the woods, suspecting kidnapping and trafficking instead.

• February 24, 2024: The Sun features "Maura Murray Vanished 20 Years Ago, Now Her Sister Julie Joins Us To Set The Record Straight."

• February 29, 2024: The Mile Higher [Podcast] discusses the 20th anniversary.

• March 6, 2024: During a pretrial hearing for Robert Atrops, Stephanie Pollan questions Kevin Winfield about his communications with John Pearson.

• March 15, 2024: John Pearson fails to appear in court, and a warrant is issued for his arrest.

• July 2024 (implied): Kevin Winfield calls John Pearson regarding the additional warrant and leaves a voicemail. AT&T records show Pearson listened to the voicemail and immediately called his attorney.

• Between July and October 2024: Winfield leaves five more voicemails for Pearson, all of which Pearson listens to and then immediately calls his attorney or son.

• August 6, 2024: Allison Brown mails a subpoena to John Pearson's home.

2025:

• March 6, 2025: Kevin Winfield testifies during a pre-trial hearing at the Washington County Courthouse. Allison Brown is also present at a hearing. Janis Puracal is present during a pretrial hearing.

• March 14, 2025: DNA evidence is processed at Washington State Patrol's Crime and Forensic Laboratory.

• May (specific date not given): Marla Kaplan testifies during a pretrial hearing about STRmix software.

• March 19, 2025 (implied): A news story from dispatch.com is linked, mentioning Steffen Baldwin and Maura Murray.

• Tuesday, specific date not given (implied Spring 2025 based on other 2025 dates): Robert Atrops' trial is scheduled to begin in Hillsboro.

Undated/Ongoing Events:

• The Washington County Cold Case Unit was formed in 2020.

• Advances in DNA technology allow cold cases to be reconsidered and solved.

• Robert Atrops' defense team argues the Oregon lab's DNA analysis is wrong or misleading.

• Washington County prosecutors argue the lab followed standard procedures.

• Dan Krane, CEO of Forensic Bioinformatics and professor at Wright State University, serves as an expert witness for the defense, questioning the accuracy of DNA mixture interpretation.

• The Oregon lab does not test DNA mixtures containing five or more people.

• Judge Oscar Garcia rules to allow the DNA evidence in the Atrops trial.

• The Maura Murray case remains unsolved, with her sister Julie Murray tirelessly working to find answers, including through her podcast "Media Pressure."

• There are three detectives assigned to the Maura Murray case in the unit, with one on rotation. The file is looked at daily when new information comes in, but there can be periods of inactivity.

• The Attorney General's Office reviews the Maura Murray file about once a month. Jeffrey Strelzin is currently the only person at the AG's office working on this file.

• The likelihood of criminal charges in the Maura Murray case is "more likely," but not 100% certain.

• The state believes it is "critically important" to withhold certain investigative material to prevent potential witnesses from tailoring their stories and to identify false claims of involvement.

• The oldest unsolved case the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office is working on is 35 years old.

• Reopening cold cases due to new technology can provide closure for families.

Cast of Characters

Involved in the Deborah Atrops Cold Case:

• Deborah Atrops: The victim. She was found strangled to death in the trunk of her abandoned car in December 1988. She had married Robert Atrops the year prior but had been estranged for months before her disappearance.

• Robert Elmer Atrops: Deborah Atrops' estranged husband and the primary suspect in her murder. He was charged in 2023, and his trial is scheduled to begin in Hillsboro. He is 70 years old.

• Kevin Barton: Washington County District Attorney. He commented on the advantages of using modern DNA technology on decades-old evidence in the Atrops case.

• Kevin Winfield: Head of the Washington County cold case unit, formed in 2020. A retired police officer, he took on the Atrops case and submitted evidence for new DNA analysis. He communicated with John Pearson regarding the reopened investigation.

• Allison Brown: Washington County Senior Deputy District Attorney. She worked with Kevin Winfield and the crime lab on the Atrops case, expressing excitement about solving it. She mailed a subpoena to John Pearson.

• Heather Feaman: DNA analyst at the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. She was involved in testing the Atrops evidence and interpreting the DNA results from Deborah's coat.

• Marla Kaplan: DNA technical leader at the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. She explained the STRmix software during a pretrial hearing.

• Dan Krane: CEO of Forensic Bioinformatics and professor of biological sciences at Wright State University. He serves as an expert witness for the defense in the Atrops case, raising concerns about the interpretation of DNA mixtures.

• Janis Puracal: Defense attorney for Robert Atrops, focusing specifically on DNA evidence. She questioned Heather Feaman during a pretrial hearing and accused the lab of withholding exclusionary test results.

• Judge Oscar Garcia: Washington County Circuit Court Judge. He ruled to allow the DNA evidence in the Atrops trial, believing jurors capable of assessing the complex science.

• John Pearson: An individual whose DNA was found to be a possible contributor to semen cells on vaginal swabs taken during Deborah Atrops' autopsy. He had an unrelated warrant and later faced charges for attempting to elude and drunk driving. He was contacted by Kevin Winfield regarding the reopened investigation.

• Stephanie Pollan: Defense attorney for Robert Atrops. She questioned Kevin Winfield about his communications with John Pearson during a pretrial hearing.

Involved in the Maura Murray Cold Case:

• Maura Murray: The missing person. A 21-year-old nursing student at UMass Amherst who vanished on February 9, 2004, after a car crash in Haverhill, New Hampshire. She previously attended West Point but left due to an incident involving theft.

• Julie Murray: Maura's older sister and a fierce advocate for her case. She has tirelessly worked to find answers, dispel misinformation, and preserve Maura's memory. She hosts the podcast "Media Pressure" and manages a TikTok account dedicated to the case.

• Fred Murray: Maura's father. He has been actively involved in the search for Maura since her disappearance, repeatedly calling for FBI involvement and fighting for public records. He appears to be a "gem" to the community.

• Kurtis Murray: Maura's brother. He has spoken about Maura's amazing qualities and his involvement in the family's advocacy.

• Laurie Murray: Maura's mother. She is a nurse and expressed hope for Maura's safe return shortly after her disappearance.

• Bill Rausch: Maura's college boyfriend. He was an Army Captain at the time of her disappearance. He was ruled out by law enforcement as a suspect due to military records.

• Sharon Rausch: Bill Rausch's mother. She expressed concerns about the initial investigation, believing a "bad guy" had picked Maura up.

• Brian Kellogg: A UMASS PD officer who interviewed Julie Murray shortly after Maura's disappearance.

• Lou Barry: A private investigator who has worked with the Murray family. He initially believed Maura disappeared into the woods but has since changed his mind, suggesting kidnapping and trafficking as possibilities.

• John Formella: New Hampshire Attorney General. His office released an age progression photo of Maura in 2024.

• Sarah Turney: Podcast host (Voices for Justice, Disappearances) and victim advocate whose own sister is missing. She has collaborated with Julie Murray to discuss Maura's case and the ethics of true crime.

• Jeffrey Strelzin: Senior Assistant Attorney General at the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office and Chief of the Homicide Unit. He has been involved in the Maura Murray investigation since late 2004 and is currently the only person at the AG's office working on her file. He believes it is "more likely than not" that the investigation will lead to criminal charges.

• Nancy Smith: Counsel representing New Hampshire in court proceedings related to the Maura Murray case, particularly regarding the release of records.

• Mr. Ervin: Attorney involved in court proceedings regarding the Maura Murray case, often questioning witnesses and advocating for the release of documents.

• Detective (unnamed): A detective from Troop F involved in the Maura Murray case, whose testimony in court revealed that the case file is looked at daily when information comes in, but there can be periods of inactivity.

• Faith Westman: A witness who believed she saw a man with a cigarette at the scene of Maura's car crash.

• Tim Westman: A witness who believed he saw a woman at the scene of Maura's car crash, on her cell phone, with the red light resembling a cigarette tip. He later confirmed it was a cell phone light.

• Robert McDonald: West Point Military Academy History Professor who submitted a letter of support for a historical marker for Maura Murray.

• State Rep. DeSimone: A New Hampshire State Representative who supported the request for a historical marker for Maura Murray.

• Ben Wilson: Director of the N.H. Division of Historical Resources, who initially denied the request for a historical marker for Maura Murray.

• Gov. Christopher Sununu: New Hampshire Governor, to whom the Murray family appealed after their historical marker request was denied.

• Dr. Ashley Wellman: Criminologist who has appeared on the Riddle Me That! True Crime Podcast discussing the Maura Murray case.

• Healy: One of the investigators who has volunteered countless hours on the Maura Murray case, suggesting she "got into the wrong car" or "went to the wrong house."

• Jack Levin: Criminologist who commented on the "sadistic urge to inflict pain" in relation to trolling videos sent to the Murray family.

• Kym L. Pasqualini: Founder and former CEO of the National Center for Missing Adults. She appeared on the Montel Williams Show discussing missing adults.

• Mariah Day: Participated in a panel discussion with Julie Murray at the True Crime Podcast Festival.

• Ashley Flowers: Podcaster and author, mentioned in relation to Julie Murray's podcast "Media Pressure."

• Gina and Amber: Hosts of the Weird True Crime podcast who interviewed Julie Murray.

• Eric Carter-Landin: Host and producer of the True Consequences Podcast, who interviewed Julie Murray and moderated a panel discussion.

• Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley: Hosts of the "Mind Over Murder" podcast, who interviewed Julie Murray.

NotebookLM can be inaccurate; please double check its responses.