Governor Kelly Ayotte at the symposium. Credit: NH DOJ
Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, on behalf of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, announce the successful conclusion of the 2026 New Hampshire Cold Case Seminar, an initiative led by the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit that brought together cold case investigators from all six New England states to share investigative strategies, exchange expertise, and strengthen regional collaboration on unsolved cases.
Hosted at the Pembroke National Guard Readiness Center on Friday, September 18th, the one-day seminar focused on strengthening the vital cross-border collaboration necessary to advance complex, long-term unsolved cases. Governor Kelly Ayotte and Attorney General Formella provided opening remarks and a keynote address, emphasizing the state’s unwavering commitment to securing justice for victims and their families.
“Achieving full participation from every New England state at this year’s seminar is a testament to the shared dedication across our region to solving these challenging cases,” said Formella. “The collaboration and knowledge exchange that took place at this gathering are essential. When we pool our expertise, leverage emerging technologies, and break down jurisdictional barriers, we significantly increase our ability to uncover new leads and bring closure to families who have waited far too long.”
The seminar featured a comprehensive agenda, designed to equip investigators with the latest advancements in forensic science and investigative techniques. Key presentations and training sessions included:
• The Role of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Unidentified Human Remains & Historical Cases, presented by Dr. Mitchell Weinberg (NH Deputy Chief Medical Examiner) and Laurel Elkin (NH Deputy Chief Forensic Investigator).
• Cold Case Studies by the FBI Boston Cold Case Team, led by FBI Tactical Specialist Rowan DiBartolomeo and FBI Intelligence Analyst Melissa Parisot.
• Presentations on innovative technologies, including Tranquility AI and the utilization of Othram in cold case investigations, presented by Samantha D. Payne.
• Case Reviews, by NH Senior Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Agati and NH DOJ Investigator Daniel Mederos.
• In-depth discussions on Unidentified Remains & Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), with insights from Jennifer Randolph (Compass IGG & Advocacy), Dr. Amy Michael (Director of F.A.I.R. Lab), and NH State Police Det. Sgt. Mallory Littman (NH Cold Case Unit).
• A dedicated Case Presentation, led by NH DOJ Deputy Chief Investigator Todd Flanagan and NH Cold Case Unit Volunteer Thomas Hardy.
Commissioner Robert Quinn of the NH Department of Safety delivered the closing remarks, reinforcing the critical need for continued inter-agency cooperation.
Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, Chief of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, reflected on the day’s impact: “The presence of every New England Cold Case Unit here today sends a powerful message. It means that whether a case crosses a state line or spans decades, we have a unified, regional network ready to support the investigation. We are continually refining our tools, from genetic genealogy to advanced forensics, to ensure that no victim is forgotten.”
Republished courtesy of New Hampshire DOJ