DiscoverMoms and Mysteries: A True Crime PodcastMURDER: The Murder of Trish Haynes
MURDER: The Murder of Trish Haynes

MURDER: The Murder of Trish Haynes

Update: 2025-05-13
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This podcast investigates the tragic and unsolved murder of Trish Haynes. It begins by introducing the case and the emotional impact on her family, focusing on the unsettling discovery of her jawbone in a washing machine submerged in a pond. The narrative then delves into Trish's difficult childhood, her abusive relationship with Chris, and her subsequent move to New Hampshire, where she sought refuge with Ashley Ruff, her childhood bully. The podcast details the escalating abuse Trish suffered while living with Ashley and her husband, Doug (a registered sex offender), and the growing concerns of her family regarding her well-being and lack of contact. Trish's disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the discovery of her remains are meticulously recounted. Witness testimonies, including a crucial account from a child, shed light on the abuse and alleged human trafficking, providing circumstantial evidence against Ashley and Doug. Despite rallies, petitions, and continued efforts by Trish's family, the lack of arrests and the ongoing inaction by authorities are highlighted, emphasizing the frustrating lack of justice. The podcast concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to share Trish's story and provide any information that could help solve this case.

Outlines

00:01:08
Trish Haynes's Life and Tragic Death: An Overview

This episode introduces the unsolved murder of Trish Haynes, focusing on the key details of her life, her abusive relationships, her disappearance, and the discovery of her remains. The emotional impact on her family and the ongoing quest for justice are emphasized.

00:03:22
Early Life, Abuse, and Escape Attempts

This section details Trish's difficult childhood, her abusive relationship with Chris, and her attempts to escape, highlighting her vulnerability and kind nature. It also covers her move to New Hampshire and her decision to stay with Ashley Ruff.

00:08:41
Life with Ashley and Doug: Escalating Abuse and Growing Concerns

This chapter focuses on Trish's life with Ashley and Doug, detailing the red flags surrounding their relationship and the family's growing concerns about Trish's well-being and lack of contact.

00:25:05
Disappearance, Investigation, and the Discovery of Remains

This section details Trish's disappearance, the family's desperate search, the filing of a missing person's report, and the subsequent discovery of her jawbone in Grant Pond.

00:36:34
Witness Accounts and Allegations of Abuse and Human Trafficking

This chapter explores witness testimonies, including a child's account, detailing the abuse Trish suffered and allegations of human trafficking. It highlights the circumstantial evidence against Ashley and Doug.

00:45:18
The Fight for Justice: Rallies, Legal Troubles, and Continued Inaction

This section discusses the rallies for justice, Ashley and Doug's legal troubles, and the ongoing frustration over the lack of arrests in Trish's murder case.

00:51:55
Unresolved Case and Call to Action

This concluding section summarizes the case's unresolved nature, the family's plea for justice, and a call to action for listeners to share Trish's story and provide any information they may have.

Keywords

Unsolved Murder


A murder case where the perpetrator(s) have not been identified or apprehended, despite evidence. Often involves ongoing investigations and public appeals for information.

Human Trafficking


The illegal trade of humans for exploitation, including sexual slavery, forced labor, and organ harvesting. Often involves coercion, violence, and control.

Domestic Violence


Violence or abuse committed by one person against another in a domestic setting. Can include physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.

Cold Case


An unsolved criminal investigation that remains open, often due to lack of evidence or leads. May be reopened with new information or technology.

Justice for Trish Haynes


A social media campaign and movement advocating for the resolution of Trish Haynes' murder case and the arrest of those responsible.

Circumstantial Evidence


Evidence that suggests a fact but does not directly prove it. Often used in legal cases to support a theory or argument.

Ashley Ruff


Key suspect in the Trish Haynes murder case.

Doug Smith


Husband of Ashley Ruff and also a key suspect in the Trish Haynes murder case.

Q&A

  • What were the key events leading to Trish Haynes' disappearance and death?

    Trish escaped an abusive relationship, returned to NH for court, moved in with abusive childhood bully Ashley Ruff and her husband Doug (a registered sex offender), experienced escalating abuse, and ultimately disappeared. Her jawbone was later found in a pond.

  • Why haven't Ashley Ruff and Doug Smith been charged with Trish Haynes' murder?

    Despite significant circumstantial evidence, including witness testimonies of abuse and the discovery of Trish's remains, authorities haven't made arrests, possibly due to a lack of a direct confession and concerns about the strength of the case without one.

  • What is the significance of the child witness's testimony?

    The child's account provides firsthand details of the abuse Trish suffered, but police dismissed it due to the child's age, hindering the investigation.

  • What is the family's current plea and how can listeners help?

    Trish's family pleads for justice and asks listeners to share her story, join the Justice for Trish Haynes Facebook group, share flyers, and sign a petition demanding a reopened investigation. Contacting the New Hampshire State Police with any information is also crucial.

Show Notes

*Make sure to send your mailbag emails to Momsandmysteries@gmail.com*

When 25-year-old Trish Haynes disappeared after moving in with an old childhood acquaintance, her family knew something was wrong. Months later, a chilling discovery confirmed their worst fears—Trish had been murdered, dismembered, and discarded like trash. Yet despite disturbing allegations, witness statements, and a recovered piece of her remains, no arrests have ever been made. In this episode, we walk through the heartbreaking story of Trish's life, her final months, and her family's ongoing fight for justice.

If you have information about Trish Haynes' case, contact New Hampshire State Police at 603-223-4381.

Research assistance by Anna Luria and Beth Weitz

Thank you to Light the Way for putting us in touch with Trish's family.

Thank you to this week's sponsors!

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Sources:

  1. https://www.wmur.com/article/police-seek-information-on-missing-woman-in-grafton-area/22854567

  2. https://www.wmur.com/article/search-continues-at-3-locations-for-signs-of-missing-woman/22878973

  3. https://www.wmur.com/article/search-for-missing-woman-continues-in-grafton-area/22863372

  4. https://www.wmur.com/article/crates-pulled-from-grafton-pond-connected-to-missing-woman-police-say/22998453?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1EggIxPNJrJK7HuOu523pQgTLzDS7AJn1fhgQQ5f3KdCg9Fs2xgGbVJrs_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

  5. https://www.wmur.com/article/human-remains-found-in-grafton-identified-as-trish-haynes/28356954#

  6. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/concordmonitor/name/trish-haynes-obituary?id=9795608#aoh=15640684860644&csi=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s

  7. https://www.vnews.com/Relatives-of-Grafton-homicide-victim-seek-answers-26925978

  8. https://www.newspapers.com/image/838805783/?terms=%22Trish%20Haynes%22

  9. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/warner-man-pleads-guilty-rape-firearm-voter-fraud-charges

  10. https://www.denver7.com/news/national-politics/the-race/family-of-murdered-woman-fights-for-an-arrest-3-years-after-her-death

  11. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/justice-trish-haynes-rally-held-concord-saturday

  12. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=551858582825460

  13. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/dozens-rally-concord-bring-justice-trish-haynes-watch

  14. https://coldcasene.org/f/trish-haynes

  15. https://www.wmur.com/article/trish-haynes-death-grafton-new-hampshire-92322/41357074#

  16. https://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/local-news/2023/08/16/families-of-unsolved-murdered-and-missing-tell-nh-ag-do-your-job/

  17. https://www.concordmonitor.com/Death-and-disappearance-fuel-this-coaliton-51790438

  18. https://www.newspapers.com/image/990952731/?terms=%22Trish%20Haynes%22

  19. Gray, Haley; Interview with Valorie Haynes-Alvarez

  20. Gray, Haley; Interview with Sandi Tewksbury

  21. Gray, Haley; Interview with Carey-Ann

  22. Haynez-Alvarez; Journal of a Murder

  23. Gray, Haley; Interview with Chloe French

  24. Murder, She Told podcast https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/trish-haynes

  25. https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1557478/posts

  26. https://www.timesargus.com/news/once-condemned-n-h-house-is-a-mess-again/article_e321e1ac-e4a6-5963-bb97-52d95b30ea51.html

  27. https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15407

  28. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/nh-woman-friend-trish-haynes-faces-imprisonment-other-charges

  29. https://www.unionleader.com/news/crime/woman-who-accused-police-chief-of-stealing-gun-now-faces-charges/article_a69fc469-a8b7-5c93-9a1d-213096f4cbfa.html

  30. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/warner-man-pleads-guilty-rape-firearm-voter-fraud-charges

  31. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/armed-dangerous-felon-accused-rape-second-degree-assault

  32. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/armed-dangerous-new-hampshire-felon-fugitive-caught-vermont

  33. https://www.newspapers.com/image/836385505/?match=1&terms=wendy%20ruff%20

  34. https://www.newspapers.com/image/838775724/

  35. https://www.newspapers.com/image/838805792/?terms=trish%20haynes

  36. https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/cold-case-unit/victim-list/betty-place

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MURDER: The Murder of Trish Haynes

MURDER: The Murder of Trish Haynes

Moms and Mysteries Podcast