Cold Case Unit Conducting Search in 1978 Unsolved Catherine Millican Homicide Case

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce that, beginning this morning, members of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, in conjunction with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, commenced a search in the area of the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area in New London, New Hampshire. This activity is part of the ongoing investigation into the 1978 unsolved homicide of Catherine "Cathy" Millican. The search poses no danger to the public and is focused on locating physical evidence.

This renewed effort coincides with the 47th anniversary of Ms. Millican's death. In recognition of this milestone and in an effort to generate new leads, the Cold Case Unit is also releasing several previously unseen photographs of Ms. Millican.

On Wednesday, October 25, 1978, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the body of 27-year-old Catherine Millican of Sunapee was discovered in a wooded area off Route 11 in New London, in what is now known as the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area. An autopsy determined that she died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Ms. Millican was last seen on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 24, 1978, when she told others she planned to go birdwatching. Her vehicle, a brown Volkswagen Rabbit, was observed by several witnesses parked at the entrance to the wetlands. Her body was found the following evening, several hundred yards into the woods.

In a statement released by her family today, they shared: "It has been 47 years since Cathy was taken from us. She was an artist, a photographer, an ornithologist, and a national sailing champion. We remain ever hopeful that her case will be solved and that closure will ease the pain of everyone who knew her. We are encouraged to know that her case has not been abandoned but continues to be worked."

The Cold Case Unit expects today's search to continue throughout the day. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice urges the public to avoid speculation and to respect the privacy of residents and private property in and around the search area.

Anyone who may have seen Catherine Millican or her brown Volkswagen Rabbit on October 24, 1978, or who has any information, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at (603) 271-2663.