Dover man arrested for murder of UNH student

DOVER, N.H. (WHDH) -- There is ample evidence to charge a Dover man with the murder of missing UNH student Lizzi Marriott, according to police, but many questions remain unanswered.

Dover residents said police have spent more than a day now searching an apartment where the suspect has lived, without attracting any particular attention, for years.

Hopes of finding Marriott are shattered for friends of the 19-year-old, who was a marine biology major and a sophomore at UNH.

“I came up in hopes of going on the search and finding her helpless in the woods or something. I was hoping not to hear this news,” said family friend, Dawn Downey.

Investigators haven't found the body of the young Westborough woman, but they've charged a Dover man with her murder. Seth Mazzaglia, a 29-year-old actor and karate instructor is now in custody.

“We believe and we have credible information at this point that she is in fact dead,” said James Vara, New Hampshire assistant attorney general.

The search for a body is focused around Peirce Island in Portsmouth. But, Mazzaglia's neighbors said police have also spent the last day in his Dover apartment.

A college classmate said the suspect has lived here for years since graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2006 with a degree in theater.

“He was always very nice, quiet. Smart guy, very studious,” said a former classmate of the suspect, Tom Coone.

The suspect and the victim knew each other, but police won’t disclose the type of relationship.

A close childhood friend of the victim said the two were not dating.

“I've never heard of him before,” she said.

Investigators believe Marriott was on her way to visit friends in Dover when she disappeared Tuesday night. Her car was found parked on the UNH campus.

Friends are still hoping investigators find her.

“We gotta bring her home,” said Downey.

The suspect is in custody and will face charges of second degree murder on Monday. Investigators said they will do everything in their power to find Lizzi.