November 07, 2024
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Body of missing Maine student found in N.H. Death of Alfred woman, 30, ruled a homicide

CONCORD, N.H. – A Maine nursing student missing for a month was found dead in Stewartstown, authorities announced Wednesday.

They said 30-year-old Kelly Gorham’s body was found in a grave on private property in the northern New Hampshire town during a search last weekend. She was positively identified during an autopsy Wednesday.

The death was ruled a homicide, but how Gorham died has not been determined. Jeffrey Strelzin, head of the criminal division in the state Attorney General’s Office, declined to say who owns the property or whether there are suspects.

Sid Carlson, a private investigator from Northwood, said the property is owned by his client, Brian Twardus, the father of Gorham’s former fiance, Jason Twardus.

Jason Twardus, who lives in Rochester, has been questioned by police, Carlson said. The couple had been dating for two years and had broken up in June, Carlson said.

Carlson told WMUR-TV Wednesday that Jason Twardus repeatedly had denied any involvement in Gorham’s death.

Gorham’s disappearance from her apartment in Alfred, Maine, was treated initially as a missing-persons case. The Southern Maine Community College student enjoyed the outdoors and sometimes hiked in the woods near her home. She was last seen the night of Aug. 7.

She was reported missing when she didn’t report to work the next day at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Her car was found at her apartment and her four dogs were inside, police said.

Strelzin said authorities in both states are focusing on Gorham’s activities in the time period just before her disappearance.


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