Father speaks out after daughter found dead on the side of New Hampshire highway

HOPKINTON, NH (WFSB) – The family of a Connecticut woman who was found dead on the side of the highway in New Hampshire is speaking out.

New Hampshire State Police said they identified a woman whose body was found in the breakdown lane of a highway and made an arrest last week.

Troopers identified the woman as 27-year-old Gina Maiorano of Henniker, NH. Maiorano was found on Interstate 89 north just before 12:15 a.m. on June 5. Troopers released her identity on Tuesday following an autopsy the day before.

Police initially sought the public’s help in identifying her through a photo of a bird feather tattoo. This tattoo is what led police to identifying Gina.

Her family says they got a phone call from officers asking if Gina had any tattoos.

Gina’s cousin, Brittany Wambolt, says the family searched online, finding articles that explained why they got that phone call.

Court documents say Gina somehow fell out of the car she was riding in with her boyfriend Thomas Hanley, dying of blunt impact injuries to the head. She was also covered in road-rash. According to the New Hampshire chief medical examiner Dr. Jennie Duval’s manner of death was inconclusive.

Court filings show Hanley didn’t stop the car, calling police the next day after he saw the picture of Gina’s tattoo.

Police arrested 30-year-old Thomas Shane Hanley, also of Henniker, on charges of felony conduct after an accident, breach of bail, and stalking.

According to court documents, Gina had a protective order against Hanley following a January domestic violence incident.

Gina’s father, Anthony Maiorano, tells Channel 3 the couple seemed to be getting along better in recent months.

“We had visited recently. We had a nice visit,” said Anthony.

Family members say Gina and Thomas had left Connecticut and moved to New Hampshire where they say Gina had recently completed a drug rehabilitation program.

“All seemed well. I’m dumbfounded,” said Anthony.

In court documents, Hanley’s father reported to police the couple had used meth the night Gina died.

In a tragic situation, Gina’s dad is trying to find peace and focus on the two kids Gina left behind.

“The most important thing is what happens from here. We have the two young ones to worry about, and we’re going to have to work together,” said Anthony.

Her family set up a GoFundMe for Gina’s children.

New Hampshire State police said they continue to investigate it, along with the circumstances that led up to it.

They also said there was no known danger to the public.

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