League of Mysteriologists – Public Archive
Subject: The Connecticut River Valley Killer – A Shadow in the Dark
Introduction: A Serial Killer Who Remains Unnamed
Between 1978 and 1988, a chilling pattern of unsolved murders emerged along the Connecticut River Valley, spanning parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. At least seven women, possibly more, were brutally attacked and murdered, their bodies left in remote wooded areas.
The unidentified perpetrator, now known as the Connecticut River Valley Killer, evaded capture, leaving behind few clues and a lasting sense of fear across the region. The killer’s signature was violence, with victims often suffering multiple stab wounds, suggesting rage or a personal vendetta.
Unlike some serial offenders, the Connecticut River Valley Killer did not seek notoriety or attention—he left no taunting messages, no cryptic calls, and no public demands. He existed in the shadows of rural New England, striking in isolated locations and disappearing without a trace.
To this day, the case remains unsolved, leaving victims’ families and investigators searching for answers.
This archive entry will examine the timeline, investigative efforts, and theories surrounding one of New England’s most elusive serial killers.
The Victims: Lives Stolen Too Soon
The confirmed victims of the Connecticut River Valley Killer were all young women, often last seen traveling alone, running errands, or commuting. Their lives were taken in violent attacks, their bodies later found in forested areas or remote roadside locations.
| Victim | Age | Date Last Seen | Location Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathy Millican | 26 | October 24, 1978 | New London, NH |
| Mary Elizabeth Critchley | 37 | July 25, 1981 | Unity, NH |
| Bernice Courtemanche | 17 | May 30, 1984 | Kellyville, NH |
| Ellen Fried | 27 | July 20, 1984 | Newport, NH |
| Eva Morse | 27 | July 10, 1985 | Unity, NH |
| Lynda Moore | 36 | April 15, 1986 | Saxtons River, VT |
| Barbara Agnew | 38 | January 10, 1987 | Hartland, VT |
Each of these women had families, dreams, and futures that were stolen in an instant. Some had stopped for gas, some had gone for walks, some were simply driving home—all of them met the same terrifying fate.
Investigators later linked their murders based on the method of attack—most victims suffered multiple stab wounds, often in a frenzied manner, suggesting a highly personal or ritualistic element to the crimes.
The One That Survived: The Key Witness
The most chilling evidence in the case came from one woman who survived an attack and lived to tell her story.
In August 1988, Jane Boroski, a 22-year-old woman, was driving home late at night after stopping at a convenience store in West Swanzey, New Hampshire. As she pulled into a parking lot to take a break, she was suddenly attacked by a man wielding a knife.
Despite being stabbed 27 times, Boroski miraculously survived, later providing a crucial description of her attacker:
- A tall, lean man with dark, unsettling eyes.
- He carried a knife with a distinctive handle.
- He spoke calmly before suddenly launching the attack.
Her testimony gave investigators their only real insight into the killer’s appearance and behavior. However, despite her bravery and detailed description, no arrests were ever made.
The Investigation: A Case Without Closure
The Connecticut River Valley murders became one of the largest criminal investigations in New England, but several factors complicated the search for the killer:
- The killings occurred across multiple states, leading to jurisdictional challenges between police forces.
- No DNA evidence was recovered due to limited forensic technology at the time.
- The killer appeared to stop killing after 1988, leaving law enforcement without new leads.
Despite these challenges, investigators pursued multiple suspects over the years.
Prime Suspects: Who Was the Connecticut River Valley Killer?
Although no one was ever charged, several individuals have been considered possible suspects:
1. Delbert Tallman – A Local Drifter with a Violent Past
- A convicted murderer who was active in the New Hampshire area during the time of the killings.
- Confessed to one murder but later recanted, and no physical evidence linked him to the case.
2. A Possible Connection to Other Serial Killers
- Some investigators theorized the Connecticut River Valley Killer may have been linked to other unsolved cases, including murders along Interstate 91 and Interstate 89.
- The Maine “Route 2” murders and the Valley Killer cases share similar victim profiles and crime scenes.
3. The Mystery Man Seen Near the Crime Scenes
- Several witnesses reported seeing a tall, thin man in a dark vehicle near the locations where victims were last seen.
- His identity was never confirmed, and he was never found.
Despite extensive investigation, no definitive evidence linked a suspect to the crimes, leaving the case cold but never forgotten.
Theories & Unanswered Questions
The Connecticut River Valley Killer left behind more questions than answers.
1. Why Did the Killings Stop?
- Serial killers rarely quit on their own—did the perpetrator relocate, die, or get arrested for another crime?
2. Was There More Than One Killer?
- Some theorists suggest the pattern of attacks indicates more than one person was involved.
- Could these be copycat murders committed by different killers in different years?
3. Could Modern Forensics Finally Solve the Case?
- If DNA evidence from the crime scenes still exists, modern technology could potentially match the killer to a suspect.
Until these questions are answered, the Connecticut River Valley Killer remains a ghost—a nameless predator who walked among ordinary people, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Conclusion: A Search for Justice That Never Ends
For the families of the victims, justice remains elusive but not forgotten. Investigators, journalists, and true crime researchers continue to analyze the case, searching for that missing clue that might finally identify the killer.
But until that day comes, the shadow of the Connecticut River Valley Killer still lingers, a reminder that some crimes remain as haunting as they are unresolved.
Would you dare to walk alone in the Connecticut River Valley at night?
End of Public Archive Entry