New Hampshire renews call for information in unsolved 2001 hiker killing

CONCORD, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44) – New Hampshire officials are seeking public assistance in relation to the unsolved homicide of Louise Chaput, who died 24 years ago. This announcement was made by state Attorney General John Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark Hall earlier this week.

The 52-year-old psychologist was found dead near the Glen Boulder Trail in the White Mountains’ Presidential Range November 22, 2001. Investigators determined she was stabbed to death.

While the mystery of her death has still not been solved, state officials have come out with a photo showing a backpack similar to the one she had – and which disappeared along with several other of her personal belongings, including a blue Kanuk sleeping bag and her car keys.

Chaput was last seen on November 15, 2001. A receipt found in her car indicated that she had stopped at a convenience store in Colebrook earlier in the afternoon, and an employee at a nearby lodge said that a woman he identified as Chaput had asked about a short hike she could go on at around 3:00 p.m.

Her family reported her missing on November 19, and her body was found a few days later.

“The passage of time has not diminished our resolve to find out what happened to Louise Chaput. We know someone out there… encountered something that can help us understand her final hours,” said Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles.

New Hampshire’s Cold Case Unit is seeking possible information from people hiking in the Pinkham Notch region, on the date of Chaput’s last known sighting. Those that were active on forums discussing weather conditions in the White Mountains around that time should also contact investigators, authorities say.

Anyone with information can contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit via email, for by calling (603) 271-2663.