Search for Marriott continues

Despite officials’ search efforts along the New Hampshire coast, the body of UNH commuter student Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott, 19, who has been missing since Tuesday, Oct. 9, has not been found.


Foster’s Daily Democrat reported that N.H. Assistant Attorney General Jane Young said no leads came up over the weekend during the search, but that the search will continue.


“Our focus is finding her,” Young said.


Officials have released little information regarding the death of Marriott except for what was stated in the second-degree murder charge against Seth Mazzaglia, 29, of Dover. That charge states that Mazzaglia “recklessly caused the death of Elizabeth Marriott … by strangling and/or suffocating her.” The charge also states that Marriott was murdered in Mazzaglia’s Dover apartment at 1 Mill St. on the same day she went missing.


Marriott was a marine biology major in her first semester at UNH after transferring from Manchester Community College. She attended class at UNH the evening she went missing and sent a text message around 10 p.m. to a friend saying she was going to Dover.


While no other charges have been made — against Mazzaglia or others — concerning the case, Young said that “appropriate charges” will be made if evidence is found during the on-going investigation indicating more involvement.


Young also said that Marriott and Mazzaglia did know each other and that this was an isolated incident, but has not released other details.


Mazzaglia is currently being held at the Strafford County House of Corrections in Dover for second-degree murder. A second-degree murder charge applies if someone knowingly causes a death and shows an extreme indifference to the value of life. The charge holds a possible life sentence in prison.


Mazzaglia made no plea during his arraignment Monday, Oct. 15 and is being held without bail until his probable cause hearing at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, when the court will decide if there is enough evidence for a trial.


Anyone with information pertaining to the case is encouraged to contact the Dover Police Department, which took on the case after Mazzaglia’s arrest, at 603-742-4646. Anonymous tips may be given on their crime line at 603-749-6000.