Newspaper Sales Rep's Coworkers Speaking Out After Her Murder

Passionate, quirky, kind - that's how Denise Robert is being remember by her coworkers at the Union Leader.

Those who knew her best are speaking out for the first time since Robert was shot and killed Sunday night in a homicide that continues to stump police in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The flag is flying at half staff at the Union Leader where Denise Robert spent the last 32 years. While the news department continues to follow the investigation, the sales department where Robert worked is finding ways to honor her life.

"It's devastating, completely devastating," said Union Leader COO Jim Normandin.

The loss of Denise Robert is one that is being felt far beyond the building where she worked.

"They're all from the heart," Normandin said as he looked at a wall filled with posted emails from advertisers and community members joining Union Leader employees in their grief.

Normandin says Robert loved her work as a sales representative, and for the past three decades, filled this office with kindness and a contagious energy.

"Denise did things her way," Normandin said. "There would be times she was here at three o'clock in the morning."

Robert was shot and killed Sunday night while out for her routine walk in the North End neighborhood where she grew up. Her family is pleading with the public to come forward with information.

"It may be a small part that puts the whole puzzle back together again and makes it make sense," said Robert's brother, Tom Robert.

Police say there are still no significant leads, but are hoping a $17,500 reward will change that. Police put up $2,500, an anonymous donor gave $10,000, and the Union Leader donated $5,000 all in an effort to bring Robert's killer to justice.

"Denise's loss will be great here however she will never be forgotten," Normandin said.

Every week the paper recognizes an unsung hero, and this week it will be Denise Robert.

Police are reminding people you can call in a tip anonymously and still be eligible for the reward money if your information leads to an arrest and conviction. 

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