I doubt that. He was retired and before that, his job was in international development overseas. That is about helping African government departments and companies start and maintain agriculture, food and environmental projects.
Right, but his career with USAID-associated projects in Africa means he could have intelligence connections, directly or through acquaintances. That's what I think
@drama_farmer was alluding to.
The perplexing circumstances of the murders make it seem the couple were killed completely at random or they were targeted. With nothing that we are aware of to indicate a dispute or threat locally, the Reids life beyond Concord has to be considered. Did someone come to Concord specifically to kill them? If they lived a peaceful, routine life in retirement in Concord as it seems they did, and weren't murdered by a crazed, enraged lunatic in the woods, their experience living and working in Africa is part of the wider net that must be considered.
Steve's career in international development is documented and impressive. He is cited in several USAID sponsored research studies and projects. Here's one example--a USAID-funded project, the Sahel Resilience Learning (SAREL) project conducted by The Mitchell Group. He's cited on page ii.
https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default..._Midterm_Performance_Assessment_Phase_II1.pdf
It doesn't seem that Steve was a US government employee, at least at the time those reports were published. He worked for organizations contracted by USAID. He could have been an employee of those organizations or a long-term contractor.
Steve's role in such projects in Africa does not preclude an intelligence angle, however. Intelligence officers employ covers. Sometimes it's official cover in a diplomatic mission; sometimes unofficial through nonprofit organizations or businesses. Could one or both of the Reids been involved in intelligence? With no clear motivation emerging locally, that's a possibility that has to be considered, even if it seems far-fetched.
It is more likely that one or both of the Reids were unwitting casual acquaintances or willing resources developed by intelligence officers. Assets are not necessarily aware contacts they think are casual are used to gather information. Both the Reids seem well-educated; they spent time around Washington, D.C. and in several countries in Africa working on development. So I doubt they were naive about tradecraft.
Another remote possibility to consider: did the Reids's work in international development itself make them targets? Are there factions that opposed what USAID was doing? It'd have to be something ongoing and central to make it worth targeting the couple in New Hampshire now.
Was Steve working as a consultant on any projects currently?
I admire the work the Reids did and the lives they lived. Most likely, the answers to the mystery of who murdered them and why are local and mundane. I am just considering how their lives abroad and their role in development in Africa could have played a role in the absence of an apparent motivation locally.
