Decades after the tragic murder of 22-year-old Judith Lord in 1975 in Concord, New Hampshire, the case has finally been closed as ‘solved’ by the state attorney general’s report. The young mother’s death, which had remained a cold case for over half a century, has now been resolved through the power of modern DNA technology. The report explains that the killer, Ernest Theodore Gable, who was himself murdered in 1987, has been identified based on conclusive evidence from DNA analysis and other forensic findings.
According to the report, the initial investigation into Judith Lord’s murder was conducted by the FBI, which concluded that the hairs found at the scene were ‘microscopically different’ from Gable’s. This led to his acquittal at the time, as the forensic techniques available were deemed insufficient. However, during a cold case review, the semen-stained towels found at the scene were subjected to DNA analysis. The results, which matched Gable’s DNA profile, provided the definitive evidence needed to close the case. The report noted that the statistical probability of such a match was approximately 1 in 6.5 million in the African American population.
The report highlights the evolution of forensic science and how it has played a crucial role in solving long-unsolved crimes. The closure of this case not only brings justice to the victim and her family but also underscores the importance of revisiting cold cases with the benefit of modern technology. The identification of Gable as the perpetrator has also shed light on his violent history, which was a key factor in the conclusion of the report.
Despite the resolution of the case, the incident serves as a reminder of the limitations of past forensic methods and the ongoing need for advancements in criminal investigations. The New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory’s role in the case was pivotal, demonstrating the critical role of forensic science in solving cold cases. While the killer’s identity has been confirmed, the case remains a somber reminder of the tragedy that unfolded over half a century ago.