Cold Case Ends In Guilty Plea In 2003 Beating Death Of A Milford Father

NASHUA, NH — A Milford homicide case dating back more than two decades moved toward resolution this week when Douglas Herlihy, 40, pleaded guilty in Hillsborough County Superior Court, Southern District, in connection with the death of his father, Paul Herlihy, 50.

Douglas Herlihy pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of attempted falsification of physical evidence tied to the beating death of Paul Herlihy in Milford between Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, 2003. Douglas Herlihy was 17 at the time of the killing.

The guilty pleas were entered under a fully negotiated plea agreement.

Under that agreement, which is still subject to the court's acceptance, Herlihy faces a stand-committed sentence of 12 to 24 years in the New Hampshire State Prison on the manslaughter charge. He would be eligible for a one-year reduction to his minimum sentence if he successfully completes the Focus program while in custody.

The agreement also calls for a sentence of three and a half to seven years on the attempted falsification of physical evidence charge, fully suspended for a period of 20 years. The remaining indicted counts would be dismissed under the agreement, including alternative counts of second-degree murder.

“This case is a reminder that the pursuit of justice does not end with the passage of time,” Attorney General John Formella said. “The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and our law enforcement partners remain committed to pursuing answers and accountability, even decades after a crime. That work takes persistence, patience and a determination to follow the evidence wherever it leads. I commend the investigators and prosecutors whose continued efforts brought this case to an important resolution.”

According to the attorney general's office, the case was investigated by the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, the Milford Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police. The attorney general's office said the investigation reflects continued efforts by investigators and prosecutors to pursue accountability long after the original crime.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Rachel C. Harrington and Cold Case Unit Chief R. Christopher Knowles.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a date to be determined in early 2027.