The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit has made a renewed appeal for public assistance in uncovering new leads in the decades-old murder of Tammy Little, a 20-year-old beauty school student. A fresh photograph of Little was released on Sunday, October 18, in hopes of revitalising interest in the case.
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Tammy was last seen in the early hours of October 16, 1982. Just three days later, her lifeless body was discovered in her apartment on Maplewood Avenue in Portsmouth. The autopsy confirmed that her death was due to severe head injuries, marking her death as a tragic loss for her family and the wider community.
In a statement released by the New Hampshire Department of Justice, officials urged individuals who lived or frequented the Portsmouth area during the time of her death to reflect on any potential memories related to the case. The aim is to jog recollections that may not have been reported before.
Tammy was described by her family as a person filled with joy and compassion. “She was everyone’s friend,” they said, expressing their pain over the years without her. They fondly remember her as someone who would lend support to those in need and share in their happiness. Her passing left a significant void in the lives of those who knew her.
The Cold Case Unit is collaborating closely with detectives from the Portsmouth Police Department as they continue to scrutinise the case files, reassess physical evidence for modern forensic testing, and chase down any available leads. In their determination to bring justice, they maintain an active approach in seeking assistance from the public.
Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, who leads the Cold Case Unit, stated: “Tammy was a young woman with a bright future ahead of her, and her life was taken in a brutal and senseless act of violence.” He reaffirmed their dedication to uncovering the truth for her family and friends, underscoring the hope that releasing her photograph could prompt someone with pertinent information to come forward.
Officials are particularly eager to hear from anyone who may have had contact with Little between the hours before her disappearance and the discovery of her body. They believe that information from the public could be crucial in piecing together the circumstances surrounding her tragic murder.
The message from the Cold Case Unit is clear: they are convinced that even after all these years, critical information may lie with former classmates or residents of the neighbourhood. The public can assist by calling the Cold Case Unit Tip Line at (603) 271-2663, emailing coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov, or submitting a tip through the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s website.
As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that with community involvement, the case of Tammy Little will be solved, ensuring justice is served for a young life cut tragically short. The plea for information echoes as a reminder of the responsibility shared among the community in addressing unsolved cases, breathing life into the possibility of closure for enduring pain and unanswered questions.