Blog Mystery #2: Abruptly Leaving Work After Sister’s Call
One of the earliest and most curious decisions Maura Murray made was to abruptly leave her job at UMass Amherst shortly after receiving a phone call from her sister. Reports indicate Maura was visibly upset following the call, and within hours, she had left her job and began a series of actions that would culminate in her unexplained disappearance.
Why did she leave so suddenly? Was it a reaction to something she heard? Was it the final piece in a longer buildup of stress, or was it part of a larger plan already in motion?
The precise content of the call—and its emotional impact on Maura—has never been fully clarified. While her sister has spoken about struggles with sobriety, the context surrounding the conversation remains speculative.
Questions for Readers and Investigators
If you’re using the Tools and Templates, consider applying these prompts:
- Psychological Autopsy Worksheet: Does this behavior align with known stressors or a potential mental health crisis?
- Timeline Builder: How quickly did she act after the call, and does it fit with an impulsive or premeditated pattern?
- Victimology Profile: Was this action out of character? What vulnerabilities may have contributed?
- Cognitive Bias Checklist: Are assumptions about Maura’s emotional state supported by facts or shaped by narrative gaps?
You’re invited to analyze this mystery from both a human and forensic perspective. Use the provided templates to create your own case notes, and if you’d like to share your reflections, you can comment below or upload your full worksheet using the reader submission form.
Let’s build better questions—not rush to answers.
DR. SCHILHABEL
Posted: July 21, 2025
