Arrest Made In NH Cold Case
AUBURN, NH (CBS) - A man was arraigned Thursday on charges that he murdered an Auburn man in his home more than a decade ago.
George Jodoin was found shot multiple times in his home on December 27, 2001. After 10 years the case had gone cold.
But after a renewed focus by state investigators and the Auburn Police, an arrest was made Wednesday.
Police say Arthur Collins, 43, of Manchester is the man who murdered Jodoin.
Bob Jodoin says he felt relief when he saw Collins walk into court in handcuffs. He thanked the investigators for not giving up.
Bob Jodoin pressured authorities to stick with the case for 10 years. Finally this fall, an Auburn Police Detective and the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit gave it a second look.
"We're able to get things done that other departments budget-wise, personnel-wise can't get done. So it's rewarding," said Robert Freitas who heads the unit.
Collins is a handy man who knew Jodoin and was allegedly at his home the night of the murder. Prosecutors won't say what new evidence led them to finally press charges, but Collins was one of a long list of suspects early on.
"It wasn't until the last few months that we were able to bring this case to a point where we could make an arrest," said Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin.
Collins' family is not convinced the case is solved. Through tears they said authorities have the wrong man.
"No he couldn't have. If anyone knew him they would know he has a good heart," said Leah Stockton as she hugged Collins' mother.
Prosecutors have not said why Collins would have killed Jodoin. He is being held without bail.
