Cold Case in New Hampshire Finally Solved
A long-standing cold case in New Hampshire has found its resolution, identifying the killer as one of the original suspects who initially eluded justice due to issues with an FBI report.
Judith Lord, just 22 years old, was discovered deceased in an apartment in Concord back in 1975, shortly after moving in. The building manager stumbled upon her while checking for overdue rent payments.
Fortunately, her 20-month-old son was found safe and sound in his crib in another room. An autopsy later revealed that Lord died from homicidal strangulation.
Evidence such as hair on her body and semen on a towel suggested a violent struggle and sexual assault. Investigators soon pointed their attention to Ernest Theodore Gable, a 24-year-old neighbor.
According to Attorney General John Formella, even though Gable was named as a suspect, “the case was significantly hampered by a flawed forensic report issued by the FBI in 1975.”
The report detailed that the microscopic hair analysis at the time led to a misguided belief that Gable couldn’t have contributed to the hair found at the scene. Further evidence, including Gable’s fingerprints, contradicted this early conclusion. Witnesses also noted that Lord had expressed fear of him.
One statement from the report highlighted that Judith mentioned to her sister her fears about her husband and their neighbor, Gable, who had reportedly made comments about wanting to see her naked.
Lord, who moved into the complex with her husband Gregory and their three sons upon returning from Germany, had an unfortunate incident just 16 days before her murder when Gregory assaulted her.
Gregory, initially the prime suspect, was acquitted after family members confirmed his alibi.
Witnesses later reported that Gable had knocked on Lord’s door at odd hours, asking if she wanted to join him for a party.
Gable passed away from stab wounds in Los Angeles 13 years later, in 1987.
Attorney General Formella expressed hope that this long-awaited resolution would finally bring peace to Judith Lord’s family and the broader Concord community, emphasizing that the truth is essential for resolving cold cases.
