Episode 48: The Vanishing of Maura Murray (pt. 2)
On a frigid night in February 2004, 21-year-old Maura Murray vanished after her car was found crashed on a rural road in Haverhill, New Hampshire. Nearly two decades later, her disappearance remains one of the most perplexing and discussed missing person cases in America. In our latest episode of Super SUS, we dive deep into the enduring enigma of Maura’s story, exploring the leading theories, the internet’s obsession, and the impact on those she left behind.
The Night Maura Disappeared
Maura Murray was a promising nursing student with her whole life ahead of her. But on February 9, 2004, after a series of troubling personal events, she packed her car and drove north. Hours later, her vehicle was discovered crashed on a desolate stretch of Route 112. There were no footprints in the fresh snow, no signs of a struggle, and no trace of Maura. The only clues: a rag stuffed in the tailpipe, a mysterious phone call, and a trail that went cold almost immediately.
Theories and Clues: What Really Happened?
Over the years, several theories have emerged:
Voluntary Disappearance: Some believe Maura planned her own escape, overwhelmed by life’s pressures. But with only $280 in cash and no activity on her cards or accounts, this theory seems unlikely.
Tragic Accident: Others suggest she wandered into the woods and succumbed to the elements. Yet exhaustive searches turned up nothing—not even a single footprint.
Foul Play: The most chilling theory is that Maura met with foul play, possibly abducted by a stranger or someone she knew. Her scent was lost in the middle of the road, suggesting she may have gotten into another vehicle.
The Red Truck & The A-Frame House: Local legends and internet sleuths have fixated on a mysterious red truck seen in the area and a nearby A-frame house with a suspicious history. Despite searches and rumors, no definitive evidence has surfaced.
The Internet’s Obsession
Maura’s case exploded online, becoming one of the first true crime mysteries to be dissected by forums, blogs, and podcasts. The rise of social media fueled speculation, amateur investigations, and sometimes, wild accusations. While the crowdsourcing has kept Maura’s story alive and occasionally unearthed new leads, it has also brought pain to her family, who have had to navigate both hope and harassment.
The Family’s Fight for Answers
Maura’s family—especially her father Fred and sister Julie—have never stopped searching for the truth. They’ve pushed back against misinformation, advocated for renewed investigations, and kept Maura’s memory in the public eye. Recent years have seen documentaries, new searches, and age-progressed images released by authorities—but the central question remains unanswered: What happened to Maura Murray?
Why This Case Still Matters
The Maura Murray case is more than a mystery—it’s a reflection of how the internet has changed the way we search for answers, connect with strangers, and keep hope alive. It’s a story of a family’s resilience, a community’s obsession, and the enduring power of unanswered questions.
👉 If you have any information about Maura Murray’s disappearance, please contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at (603) 223-3856 or coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov. You can also submit tips to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
Listen to the full episode of Super SUS for an in-depth discussion, and join us as we continue to ask: What really happened on that quiet stretch of Route 112?
