Son Arrested in Decades-Old Murder Case of Father

Authorities in New Hampshire have apprehended a man on charges of murdering his father, rekindling interest in a case that had remained unsolved since 2003.

Paul Herlihy, then aged 50, was discovered deceased at his residence located in Milford, New Hampshire on August 27, 2003. It was during a welfare investigation that law enforcement found him, with evidence indicating his demise occurred sometime between August 23 and August 27.

Following a forensic examination, it was revealed that Herlihy's death resulted from blunt force trauma. However, the particulars surrounding the cause have been kept confidential for many years to assist in the ongoing investigation.

This case is among the numerous unresolved killings and suspicious deaths being scrutinized by the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit. In coordination with the State Police Major Crime Unit, they revisited the investigation into Herlihy’s death.

While minimal information was disclosed regarding the investigative methods, the New Hampshire Department of Justice indicated that findings pointed towards Douglas Herlihy, son of the deceased.

On Monday, New Hampshire authorities executed an arrest warrant for Douglas Herlihy, accusing him of second-degree murder. He was apprehended the following day in Saugus, Massachusetts, where he currently resides, and subsequently faced charges for fleeing from justice.

Douglas, now 39, was in his teenage years at the time his father was killed. Presently detained in Massachusetts, he awaits arraignment in Essex County Superior Court. Post-arraignment, extradition procedures to New Hampshire will commence.

Further Reporting and Sources

This report was prepared by Kerry Breen, a news editor at CBSNews.com and alumni of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism. Breen has previously contributed to NBC News' TODAY Digital, focusing on contemporary news, urgent stories, and matters including substance abuse.