Who killed Ella Choate? Maine police seek new leads in unsolved 1975 slaying

Cold Case Unsealed · Jun 2, 2026 · 33m

The episode details the unsolved 1975 homicide of Ellen Choate, a young educator who disappeared while traveling to Bangor, Maine, to begin a teaching career. Her remains were discovered two years later in a shallow grave in Newport, revealing she had died from a gunshot wound to the head. The narrative examines the significant investigative hurdles of the era, such as the lack of digital forensics and the risks associated with 1970s hitchhiking culture. It also considers potential connections to other local crimes and highlights recent efforts by the Maine State Police to generate new leads…