Missing student's body found in N.H.

CONCORD, N.H. - A Maine nursing student missing for a month has been found dead in Stewartstown, authorities said yesterday.

They say Kelly Gorham's body was found in a grave on private property in the town near the Canadian border during a search this weekend. The remains of Gorham, 30, were identified during an autopsy.

Sid Carlson, a N.H. private investigator, said the property is owned by his client, Brian Twardus, the father of Gorham's former fiancé, Jason Twardus.

Jason Twardus, who lives in Rochester, has been questioned by police, Carlson said. The couple had been dating for two years and had broken up in June, Carlson said.

Carlson told WMUR-TV yesterday that Jason Twardus had repeatedly denied any involvement in Gorham's death.

Authorities have not named any suspects.

The death was ruled a homicide, but how Gorham died has not been determined.

Gorham's disappearance from her apartment in Alfred, Maine, was initially treated as a missing persons case. The Southern Maine Community College student enjoyed the outdoors and sometimes hiked in the woods near her home. She was last seen on the night of Aug. 7.

She was reported missing when she didn't go to work the next day at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Her car was found at her apartment and her four dogs were inside, police said.

Jeffrey Strelzin, head of the criminal division in the attorney general's office, said authorities in both states are focusing on Gorham's activities before her disappearance.