North Andover police announced Tuesday that investigators have questioned and formally cleared two former North Andover police officers in the 2001 homicide of 42‑year‑old resident Lisa Harper, whose body was discovered in her home after she failed to show up for work.
Background
Harper’s murder has haunted the community for more than two decades. She was found with multiple blunt‑force injuries in her kitchen, and the case quickly went cold after investigators were unable to identify a suspect. Early theories focused on a possible robbery gone wrong, but no items were reported missing and no suspect was ever apprehended.
In 2015, renewed public pressure prompted the Massachusetts State Police Major Crimes Unit to revisit the file. During that review, two former North Andover officers—both of whom had been on patrol in the area at the time of the killing—were named as persons of interest based on circumstantial evidence and a now‑defunct eyewitness statement. The officers were placed on administrative leave while the investigation continued.
The Investigation
In March 2026, detectives from the State Police’s Cold‑Case Squad re‑interviewed the two officers, examined the original forensic evidence with modern DNA technology, and cross‑checked phone records from the night of the homicide. The updated DNA analysis failed to match either officer, and the phone‑record review showed no contact between the officers and the victim that night. Both officers were subsequently cleared of any involvement, and the State Police issued a written statement confirming that no criminal charge will be filed against them.
Key Takeaways
- The murder of Lisa Harper remains unsolved despite the exoneration of the two former officers.
- Modern forensic techniques were pivotal in clearing the officers, highlighting the value of revisiting cold cases with new technology.
- The investigation continues under the Massachusetts State Police Major Crimes Unit, with a focus on DNA leads and renewed witness outreach.
What's Next
Detectives say the next phase will involve a deeper analysis of DNA evidence collected at the scene, which may be cross‑referenced with national databases. They also plan to interview additional acquaintances of Harper who were not previously questioned. The State Police have not set a timeline for a new suspect identification, but they assured the public that the case remains an active priority.