Attorney General John M. Formella releases the following statements from the family of David Braley of Belmont, New Hampshire and from the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit on the upcoming anniversary of Mr. Braley’s disappearance when he was 21-years-old:
BRALEY FAMILY STATEMENT
“The family would be forever grateful for any information to help bring them peace, closure, and comfort. Please be that person to come forward, for David and his Family.”
COLD CASE UNIT STATEMENT
“It has been 35 years since David Braley was last seen alive in Concord, New Hampshire. David was last seen near the Take Five Music Hall nightclub on or about November 10, 1989. David’s badly beaten body was found and recovered from the Merrimack River in Manchester on March 18, 1990. Investigators believe David was violently assaulted in Concord before his body was thrown into the Merrimack River.
Over the last fourteen months, the Concord Police Department and members of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office Cold Case Unit have been re-examining David’s suspicious death. In addition to a renewed investigative review of the case, investigators are exploring opportunities to leverage modern-day advancements in forensic technology. Beyond their re-examination of the evidence, investigators have been actively working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and outside forensic experts as part of this re-examination.
During the initial stages of the investigation, several conflicting and contradictory stories concerning David’s disappearance circulated in the community. Investigators are steadfast in their efforts to bring the truth of what happened on that November night to light, but they need the public’s help. Investigators suspect that there are witnesses to David’s disappearance who have not yet come forward. Whether those witnesses may have been afraid to speak with the police at the time or were concerned that police would not believe them because of certain stigmas at the time, the police encourage witnesses to reach out now. If you know what happened or have any information about this investigation—no matter how trivial it may seem to you—we ask that you, please come forward. Even the smallest observation could provide a crucial piece of the puzzle.
David Braley’s family has been resolute in seeking justice for David. They remain hopeful that someone with firsthand knowledge will come forward and assist the investigation. Please help investigators bring some form of justice to David, his loved ones, and this community.”
Anyone with information concerning the disappearance and death of David Braley is encouraged to contact the Concord Police Department at (603) 225-8600, or the Concord Regional Crimeline at (603)226-3100, or the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit tip line at (800) 525-5555 or via email at coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov.
