Renewed Call for Information in 1980 Disappearance of Laureen Rahn

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, and Manchester Police Chief Peter A. Marr announce, on behalf of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, a renewed appeal for public assistance in the cold case disappearance of 14-year-old Laureen Rahn. On April 27, 1980, Laureen vanished from her home at 289 Merrimack Street in Manchester. While decades have passed, the resolve of law enforcement to find answers and bring justice to Laureen and her family remains unwavering.

On the night she went missing, Laureen left behind all of her personal belongings, including her clothing and money. Because there were no signs of a struggle within the residence, investigators believe she may have left willingly, possibly with someone she knew, intending to return shortly. Her mother returned home that evening to find the apartment unsecured, and Laureen's friend asleep, in Laureen's bed. She has not been seen or heard from since.

The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and the Manchester Police Department continue to actively pursue leads. Beyond traditional investigative methods, officials are now utilizing modern forensic technology that was unavailable at the time of Laureen's disappearance. This includes the evaluation of physical evidence for advanced DNA testing and other modern forensic applications.

"Laureen was just 14 years old, and her family has endured 46 years of unanswered questions," said Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, Chief of the NH Cold Case Unit. "Our commitment to bringing Laureen home remains steadfast. We are deploying advanced forensic technologies that were unimaginable in 1980, but science is only part of the equation. We know that relationships and loyalties change over four decades. We urge anyone who has been holding onto information to come forward and help give this family the resolution they deserve."

Investigators believe that someone holds the missing piece of information needed to solve this case. Authorities are specifically interested in hearing from:

• Former Neighbors: Anyone who lived in or around 289 Merrimack Street in Manchester in April 1980.
• Classmates and Peers: Individuals who attended school with Laureen or socialized with her during that time.

No detail is too small to be relevant. Anyone with information regarding the events of April 27, 1980, or Laureen's whereabouts is urged to contact authorities:

• Cold Case Unit Tip Line: (603) 271-2663
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: Submit a tip at www.doj.nh.gov/criminal/cold-case

Attached to this news release, courtesy of the FBI Boston Division's Cold Case Team, is an age-progressed photograph depicting what Laureen Rahn would look like today.