On July 11, 1973, 15-year-old Diane Compagna left her Merrimack, New Hampshire, home with her friend, 15-year-old Anne Psaradelis, saying they were having a sleepover. Diane had long dark hair, was about five feet, four inches tall, and was last seen wearing blue jeans, sandals, a dark blue crop top, and carrying a red beach bag. The girls spent time at Hampton Beach and were last seen late that afternoon hitchhiking toward Merrimack.

When neither returned, Diane’s father filed a missing persons report on July 12. Their remains were found on September 29, 1973, in a wooded area off New Boston Road in Candia, near Route 101. Decomposition prevented a definitive cause of death, but authorities believe the girls were strangled and one report suggested possible stabbing. No arrests were ever announced.

The case drew long-term attention from Merrimack Police Sergeant Joseph Horak, who continued to pursue leads for decades and wrote three books about the murders. The case remains open but was not listed as an active priority for the state Cold Case Unit in 2011. If anyone has information about Diane or that day, please contact the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit or the Concord Regional Crimeline.