2 min read

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – A Maine nursing student missing for a month has been found dead in Stewartstown, authorities announced Wednesday.

They say 30-year-old Kelly Gorham’s body was found in a grave on private property in the town near the Canadian border during a search this weekend. She was positively identified during an autopsy Wednesday.

Sid Carlson, a private investigator from Northwood, said the property is owned by his client, Brian Twardus, the father of Gorham’s former fiance, Jason Twardus.

Jason Twardus, who lives in Rochester, has been questioned by police, Carlson said. The couple had been dating for two years and had broken up in June, Carlson said.

Carlson told WMUR-TV Wednesday that Jason Twardus had repeatedly denied any involvement in Gorham’s death.

The death was ruled a homicide, but how Gorham died has not been determined. Jeffrey Strelzin, head of the criminal division in the Attorney General’s office, declined to say who owns the property.

Gorham’s disappearance from her apartment in Alfred, Maine, was initially treated as a missing persons case. The Southern Maine Community College student enjoyed the outdoors and sometimes hiked in the woods near her home. She was last seen the night of Aug. 7.

She was reported missing when she didn’t report to work the next day at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Her car was found at her apartment and her four dogs were inside, police said.

Strelzin said authorities in both states are focusing on Gorham’s activities in the time just before her disappearance.

Comments are no longer available on this story