Concord Community Mourns After Jillian Collins Found Fatally Shot Near Tent Site
Location & Victim Details
In Concord, New Hampshire, heartbreak rippled through the community after the discovery of Jillian Collins, a 37-year-old woman whose life ended tragically on October 31, 2025. Her body was found near a tent site off Manchester Street, close to the wooded property of the former Pembroke Water Works. The area is known for its transient encampments, and the case has been confirmed as a homicide by both the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the Concord Police Department.
Authorities released Jillian’s name and age but are withholding further personal details to protect her family’s privacy during this difficult time. Those who knew Jillian describe her as a kind, resilient woman who had faced challenges but remained hopeful about her future. She was known in parts of the local community, including outreach circles that assist residents experiencing homelessness, and was described as friendly and soft-spoken.
Her sudden and violent death has left friends, family, and advocates stunned, with many remembering her as “a gentle soul who never deserved this.”
Incident & Investigation
Police were first alerted to the scene early Friday morning, October 31, after a passerby reported finding an unresponsive person near a tent in the wooded area along Manchester Street. Officers arrived to find Jillian deceased at the scene. The Chief Medical Examiner’s autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound, ruling the case a homicide.
Investigators quickly secured the area, conducting an extensive search for evidence, including ballistics, clothing fibers, and possible digital or camera footage. The location, described as a known encampment, has complicated the investigation due to the transient nature of its residents. Authorities have said they are working carefully to identify and interview potential witnesses who may have been in the area that night.
The Attorney General’s Office released a statement confirming the homicide ruling but refrained from disclosing any suspect information, citing the ongoing investigation. Officials also emphasized that there is currently no indication of a wider public threat, but they urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
Community Impact & Response
The death of Jillian Collins has deeply shaken the Concord community. Residents near Manchester Street have expressed concern over safety in the area, where makeshift camps have become more visible in recent months. Local advocacy organizations that work with unhoused residents have come forward, urging compassion and renewed attention to the vulnerabilities faced by those living outdoors.
A small memorial has since appeared near the wooded area where Jillian’s body was found. Candles, flowers, and handwritten notes fill the spot, with messages reading “You were loved” and “Justice for Jillian.”
City officials and law enforcement leaders, including the Concord Police Chief, have appealed to the public for information. “Even the smallest detail could make a difference,” the department stated, asking that anyone who was near the area between Thursday evening, October 30, and early Friday morning, October 31, contact investigators.
Local shelters and advocacy groups held a vigil over the weekend, where attendees prayed for Jillian and called for justice. Speakers highlighted the broader issue of safety for individuals experiencing homelessness, noting that Jillian’s death underscores the urgent need for resources and outreach.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Support
Law enforcement continues to review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and public cameras, while forensic teams analyze evidence from the scene. Detectives are also working closely with social service providers to identify anyone who may have interacted with Jillian in the days before her death.
For Jillian’s family and friends, the confirmation of homicide is both heartbreaking and validating—it affirms that her death was not an accident and deserves full accountability. Her loved ones describe her as “a woman who loved deeply, who deserved more time, and who will not be forgotten.”
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office has pledged to pursue every lead until the person responsible is found. The community continues to gather, share stories, and support one another through grief and uncertainty.
Summary
On October 31, 2025, Jillian Collins, 37, was found fatally shot near a tent site in Concord, New Hampshire. The Attorney General’s Office has ruled her death a homicide, sparking an ongoing investigation and widespread community mourning. As police continue to seek justice, residents and advocacy groups are remembering Jillian not only as a victim but as a beloved member of the community whose life mattered. Her passing has become a powerful reminder of both compassion and the urgent need for safety for all.
