Concord Murder Mystery Solved: Neighbor Named as Judith Lord’s Killer 50 Years Later

Fifty years after the tragic murder of Judith “Judy” Lord, investigators have identified her killer as Ernest Gable, her next-door neighbor. The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit concluded this after reopening the case, which had long remained stagnant.

Background of the Case

Judith Lord was just 22 years old when she was sexually assaulted and strangled in her Concord Gardens apartment on May 20, 1975. At the time, Gable was a prime suspect; however, a flawed hair sample analysis hindered prosecution efforts. Gable passed away in 1987, making any legal action impossible.

A Childhood Remembered

• Judith was the eleventh of fourteen children.
• She grew up in Maine and later moved to New Hampshire.
• She had one son, Gregory, with her husband Gregory Lord Sr.

Investigative Findings

Judy’s body was discovered in her apartment after her son was heard crying inside. An operations manager entered the unit to check on her and found her deceased. Signs of a struggle were evident, including a broken curtain rod and a lamp thrown on the floor.

During the investigation, multiple neighbors reported hearing screams from Judy’s unit late that night. Testimonies indicated she expressed fear of Gable in the days leading up to her death, as he had made unwanted advances toward her.

Forensic Breakthroughs

Initially, microscopic hair comparisons implicated Gable, but subsequent findings suggested inaccuracies in the forensic technique used at the time. In 2003, the Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation and utilized modern DNA testing, which matched semen found at the scene to Gable’s DNA. This evidence became crucial in solving the case.

Conclusions and Family Impact

New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella remarked on the closure of this long-standing case, stating, “No cold case is ever truly closed until the truth comes out.” Following the investigation’s conclusion, Judy’s family expressed a mix of sorrow and relief.

Her son, Gregory Lord Jr., who was only a toddler when she was murdered, conveyed his enduring love for his mother. “I always keep her memory inside my heart,” he shared during a press conference.

A Legacy of Justice

The Cold Case Unit’s determination to resolve this tragic case highlights the importance of justice, even decades after a crime. While Gable’s death means he cannot face charges, his identification as Judy’s killer offers some closure to the family and the community.