CONCORD, N.H. — David Braley, 21, from Belmont, New Hampshire, was last seen alive in Concord on or around Nov. 10, 1989, and his body was found four months later. With the upcoming 35th anniversary of his disappearance, Braley's family and the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit hope a new push for information will help solve this cold case.
Over the past 14 months, the Concord Police Department and members of the Cold Case Unit have been re-examining Braley's death. Investigators consider his death to be suspicious, according to a press release by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office Friday afternoon.
Braley was last seen near the Take Five Music Hall, a nightclub in Concord at the time, according to a statement from the Cold Case Unit. His badly beaten body was recovered from the Merrimack River in Manchester on March 18, 1990. Investigators believe Braley was "violently assaulted" in Concord before his body was dumped in the river.
Investigators say they hope modern-day advancements in forensic technology will help further the case, and lead to new answers.
"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," the press release said.
Investigators are also hoping new witnesses could play a role in solving the case. During the initial investigation into Braley's death, investigators ran into several conflicting and contradictory stories. They believe there are witnesses to David's disappearance who may not have come forward yet, possibly because they are afraid to talk with police, or maybe because of certain stigmas at the time, the press release stated.
Police are encouraging witnesses to come forward now.
"If you know what happened or have any other 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," the statement from the Cold Case Unit said.
Braley's family also released a statement in the press release.
"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," the statement read.
Anyone who has information on David Braley's disappearance and death should contact the follow agencies:
- Concord Police Department: 603-225-8600
- Concord Regional Crimeline: 603-226-3100
- New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit tip line: 800-525-5555
