New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2023

Contact:
Michael S. Garrity, Director of Communications
michael.s.garrity@doj.nh.gov | (603) 931-9375

Rachel C. Harrington, Assistant Attorney General
rachel.c.harrington@doj.nh.gov | (603) 271-3671

Audriana L. Mekula, Assistant Attorney General

Arrest Made in 2016 Previously Unresolved Murder of David Bruce Goodwin of Conway, New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella, State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, and Conway Police Chief Christopher J. Mattei announce that a collaborative effort involving the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit working with the State Police Major Crime Unit has led to an arrest in connection with the previously unresolved murder of David Bruce Goodwin (age 64) in Conway, New Hampshire, in May of 2016.

A warrant has been issued for Robert Dowling (age 51) of Haverhill, Massachusetts charging him with Second Degree Murder for killing Mr. Goodwin. Mr. Goodwin was attacked inside his living space at the Conway Valley Inn in Conway, New Hampshire on May 15, 2016, and passed away two days later. The cause of Mr. Goodwin’s death was blunt force trauma to the head, and the manner of his death was homicide.

Mr. Dowling has been arrested in Massachusetts on that warrant and was charged with being a fugitive from justice. He is currently being held without bail. He was anticipated to be arraigned this morning in Essex County Superior Court (MA) as the court docket allows. Extradition proceedings to New Hampshire will follow.

The Office of the Attorney General and the New Hampshire State Police extend their thanks to the Conway Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Haverhill Police Department (MA), and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office for apprehending and detaining Mr. Dowling on the fugitive from justice warrant.

The charges and allegations against Mr. Dowling are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

New Hampshire Department of Justice
1 Granite Place South | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658