Drone Company Offers Critical Clue In Finding Human Remains In Derry

DERRY, NH — A local drone company provided a critical lead in the discovery of human remains near a golf course in Derry on Thursday.

Derry police were assisted by New Hampshire Fish and Game and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime in examining several points of interest provided by drone operator Jenness Keller from Sky Dog Aerial Thermal Imaging. He recently flew over the area using highly sophisticated drones for mapping.

Keller first flew a drone that detected a possible anomaly, then flew a drone with higher capability, allowing for better imaging.

Points of interest were plotted from aerial images which were provided to authorities. Derry police received the detailed information and began following up on the lead Wednesday.

Human remains were discovered in the area where authorities had been working on the golf course, which is near a marsh. The remains were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to complete an examination of the remains in consultation with forensic anthropologists. According to Michael Garrity of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, this process can take months.

Several reports that circulated on social media about the remains being wrapped in carpet have been verified as inaccurate.

At this time, the age of the remains, the cause of death, the individual’s age, biological sex, and identity are unknown. Investigators are expected to remain on the scene for at least another day. Members of the public are reminded the golf course is not yet open. Several sources close to the investigation and with knowledge of the search have said the remains are likely those of Amanda Grazewski.

On Monday, Derry police put out a press release reminding people that it was the fifth anniversary of the disappearance of Amanda Grazewski.

“Derry police detectives have logged thousands of investigative hours on this missing persons case, which remains open.”

Since its inception, investigators have conducted area searches consisting of grid searches, drone search sweeps, and K-9 sweeps of multiple areas of town without locating Grazewski. She was known to frequent or previously live in Hooksett, Manchester, Nashua, and Salem. Some of the information was based on tips provided by the public.

According to police, many possible sightings of Grazewski have come from outside New Hampshire. Investigators have tracked down each one.

Police said as they keep this investigation active, many people are learning of Grazewski’s disappearance for the first time. Derry police continue to investigate all possible leads and interview known associates of Grazewski and friends last believed to have seen her.

Anyone with information regarding Grazewski’s disappearance is asked to contact Derry
police at 603-432-6111.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news