Cold Case Unit identifies remains from 1974 as Vermont woman

CONCORD — Investigators with the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and assisting agencies recently identified the remains of a woman discovered in Marlborough in 1974. Investigation into her manner of death is ongoing.

The previously unidentified remains of Nancy Gale Erickson, 21, of Tampa, Florida, and Brattleboro, Vermont, were discovered on April 16, 1974, in a wooded area off Route 124 in Marlborough. No identification or manner of death could be determined at the time.

“After years of work on this case, putting a name to Nancy Gale Erickson is incredibly meaningful. It’s more than solving a mystery — it’s restoring her identity and honoring the life she lived. She was never forgotten,” said State Police Det. Sgt. Kelly LaPointe. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone whose efforts made this possible. Now the focus turns to understanding how and why she died.”

Forensic analysis indicated she died in late fall 1973. Investigators determined she was a white female, aged 18–48, between 5'2" and 5'6", with reddish-brown hair. She wore a light brown corduroy coat with white fleece lining (size 44, Matt Andrews Sportswear); a blue-gray zippered warm-up jacket; a blue, white, and red plaid flannel shirt (size M, Royal Coach); off-white Carter work trousers; brown low-cut work shoes (size 6 or 7); mismatched socks; and Duofold insulated underwear with a blue and green floral print (sizes B and 18).

Erickson was reported missing by her family to the Brattleboro Police Department in 2021, which was the first time she’s been reported missing. Forensic testing conducted from 2022 to 2024 matched DNA from the remains with that of Erickson’s siblings.

Erickson was born in New York in 1951, earned a nursing degree from Corning Community College before moving to Tampa, Florida, to work at Tampa General Hospital. She departed Florida in 1973, without a known destination.

Erickson was arrested in Bellows Falls, Vermont, in October 1973, for stealing a car. She received probation, remained in Brattleboro, and worked at the Brattleboro Retreat while living at the Community House. On Oct. 30, 1973, Erickson abruptly left her job and residence and was never heard from again.

Those who helped with identification include the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; Dr. Marcella Sorg with University of Maine; Bode Technology; the University of North Texas Health Science Center; the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory; NamUs; Deputy Chief Jeremy Evans with Brattleboro Police; and Erickson’s siblings — Michael Erickson, Sandra Eslick and Kevin Erickson.

With this identification, investigators are seeking the public’s help looking into Erickson’s death. They are interested in hearing from anyone who knew Erickson or had contact with her. This includes former employees of the Brattleboro Retreat or residents of the Community House in 1973, students at Corning Community College (1971–72), and staff at Tampa General Hospital (1972–73).

For more information, visit doj.nh.gov/criminal/cold-case.