Search Grid At Concord Homicide Scene Shows Sprawling Clues

Concord NH

25 April, 2022

3:46 PM

Description

CONCORD, NH — Investigators spent slightly more than 48 hours gathering evidence from the trail where a couple, missing for three days after going for a hike, was found killed. Police and other assisting investigators on Saturday finished gathering evidence at the scene of the deaths of Stephen and Djeswende Reid of Alton Woods Drive in Concord after dozens of police, fish and game officers, and others made a final sweep of the Marsh Loop Trail, Eversource power lines, and swamp near a substation and a homeless camp near Portsmouth Street. On Sunday, a couple of people were in the area, walking the trail and examining search grid ribbons and markers that appeared to be left by investigators. Also Read Missing Concord Couple's Deaths Ruled Homicides; Police Seek TipsPolice, Fish & Game Search For Suspicious Death Clues In East ConcordSuspicious Deaths Investigation Underway At Concord's Marsh Loop TrailDozens Of Police Search Concord Heights For Missing Couple: VideoMissing Concord Couple's 'Disappearance Is Of Significant Concern' On Monday, investigators were back at the trail for a short period of time, bringing a handful of people to view the area that was investigated. Those investigators cleared the area just before 3 p.m. Ribbons left behind by investigators suggest most of the evidence was gathered from four sections of the trail and surrounding area. The first area, which appeared to have the most activity, was about 50 feet from where the trail turns from the power lines into the forest. Orange and pink search grid ribbons could be seen on the trail along with visible ground disturbance including large grooved sections and areas that appeared to be dug up. In another section, leading northwest toward the power line clearing, visible ground disturbance could be seen along with pink and orange ribbons. In a third section, to the east of the trail, orange, pink, yellow, and blue ribbons tied to branches, as well as red flags on stems stuck in the ground, could be seen, leading toward the clearing by the Eversource substation. Ribbons then led from the clearing, through the forest to the west of the substation, to just east and at the entrance of a homeless camp that appeared to be recently abandoned. Michael Garrity, the director of communications for the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, said investigators are asking the public to come forward with tips. So far, more than 60 have been submitted. Investigators are asking for anyone who may have been on the trails on the afternoon of April 18 to talk to the police. Family Releases Statement The Reid-Forey family released a statement Sunday night saying Stephen and Djeswende Reid had moved to Concord to retire a few years ago. After college, Stephen Reid served in the Peace Corps in West Africa for four years. The family said the couple met when Djeswende Reid was studying in Washington, D.C., on an athletic scholarship. She was also from West Africa. Stephen Reid worked for more than 30 as an international development specialist with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Djeswende Reid also volunteered while assisting refugees in the city and both were deeply wedded to their devout Christian faith. According to his father's obituary, Stephen Reid's moved to Concord in the early-1950s. Stephen Reid lived most of his life in Washington, D.C., according to online records. At some point, possibly around 2006, the couple moved to Burlington, Vermont. They also lived at the Concord Meadows apartment complex on Clinton Street before moving to Alton Woods. The family also thanked police, state troopers, county sheriffs, Fish and Game, and the justice department for "their extraordinary efforts" working on the investigation to find the couple. Days after the couple went missing, police emphasized there was no history of domestic violence between the couple or medical history. The couple had been together a very long time — so a third party or jealous ex-partner was probably not a realistic angle. For now, Concord police and the attorney general's office have declined assistance offered by the FBI, said Kristen Setera, who works in the press office of the FBI in Boston. Setera said the bureau would only get involved when asked, if there was a federal violation, or inter-state activity with a case and would not necessarily get involved in an investigation because one of the victims was a former federal employee. Setera added if New Hampshire investigators needed help, they would be available to assist immediately. Both victims died of multiple gunshot wounds. A review of scanner audio showed no calls for service to the area or a report of gunshots between around 2:30 p.m. on April 18, when the couple left their apartment for a walk, and 8 p.m. In the past, police have been sent to Curtisville Road due to hunters in the area or residents hearing gunshots. A day before police sent out the missing couple notice, a family member sent out a Ring alert to users who live within a 3-mile radius of the area, along with a picture requesting assistance finding the couple. "Parents haven't been seen or heard from since Monday," the alert stated. "They may have gone walking, no wallet or phone as far as we know (purse/wallet are still in the apartment) authorities have been notified. Please if anyone saw them walking or know anything please let us know." Garrity said the public could assist investigators in solving the case, especially if they knew the Reids or saw them on Monday. "In addition, anyone in the areas where the Reids walked who has a home or business security or video surveillance system is asked to review the recordings to determine if the Reids were captured on video," he said. "In the meantime, residents of the area are encouraged to be vigilant and take normal precautions as they go about their daily lives. Any suspicious behavior or activity encountered should be reported to the Concord Police Department." The Concord Police Department can be reached at 603-225-8600, or tips can be submitted anonymously by contacting the Concord Regional Crimeline at 603-226-3100. Tips can also be submitted online through the Crimeline website at concordregionalcrimeline.com, or text message TIP234 and your message to CRIMES (274637). Crimeline awards cash to anyone whose information directly leads to convictions in homicide cases. All tips remain anonymous. Got a news tip? Send it to [email protected]. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.