What was a missing persons investigation on Wednesday is now a hunt for a killer after a husband and wife were found shot to death Thursday in Concord, New Hampshire, investigators announced.
The office of Attorney General John Formella said early Friday that two suspicious deaths were under investigation, later identifying the victims as 67-year-old Stephen Reid and 66-year-old Djeswende Reid.
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Police say the husband and wife were avid outdoors people, known to take frequent walks along the trails near their home.
When Stephen Reid didn't show up for a planned event Wednesday, a family member called police to report the couple missing.
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After an intense search, investigators found their bodies Thursday evening in a wooded area near the Marsh Loop Trail, near the Broken Ground Trails off Portsmouth Street, authorities said. There was a heavy law enforcement presence combing the area Friday afternoon.
Autopsies on the victims showed they both died from multiple gunshot wounds, with their deaths both determined to be from homicide. No arrests have been made.
"This is a tragedy, and it's something that came out of nowhere, and we're doing our due diligence, investing all of our resources, working with our state and local partners, to bring this case to a successful resolution," Concord Police Chief Bradley Osgood said.
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Assistant Attorney General Geoffrey Ward said the Reids left their apartment at the Alton Woods complex on Loudon Road around 2:20 p.m. Monday. They walked along Portsmouth Road to the Broken Ground Trails, and their family and friends never saw or heard from t hem again.
Those who live nearby say they're surprised they didn't hear any gunshots.
"It's strange. This is a very peaceful neighborhood and they're talking about murder," Doug Ponusky said. "I never lock my doors. I think I'm gonna lock them tonight."
At a press conference, Ward and Osgood declined to speculate on whether the shooting was believed to be random. Asked if he would recommend residents to lock their doors, Osgood said, "it's always smart to lock your doors and be vigilant."
Investigators are now asking for the public's help.
"Anyone who saw the Reids that Monday afternoon, anyone walking on those trails, anyone who has any information related to their disappearance or deaths are asked to contact the Concord Police Department about anything that they saw or heard that afternoon," Ward said.
“In addition, anyone along the area where the Reids walked that day from Alton Woods to Portsmouth Street to the Broken Ground Trails who has a home or business security system is asked to review their recordings to determine if the Reids or anyone else were captured on those videos," Ward added.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Concord Police Department at 603-225-8600. Tips can also be left anonymously by calling 603-226-3100. An investigation is ongoing.
