Concord, NH – Authorities announced Monday a breakthrough in one of New Hampshire’s most infamous cold cases, identifying a victim in the decades-old Bear Brook murders as Rea Rasmussen, born in 1976 in Orange County, California.
According to the New Hampshire State Police, Rasmussen was the final unidentified victim previously referred to as the “middle child” in the 1985/2000 Allentown homicide case. The murders were tied to convicted killer Terry Rasmussen, who died in prison in 2010. Investigators said Rasmussen lived under multiple aliases and was connected to crimes across several states beginning in the late 1970s.
Officials said Rasmussen’s identification brings long-awaited answers in a case that haunted New Hampshire for more than 40 years. Four victims were found in barrels at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown between 1985 and 2000. Three were previously identified as Rasmussen’s girlfriend and her two daughters.
“This case has weighed on New Hampshire and the nation for decades,” Attorney General John M. Formella said in a statement. “With Rea Rasmussen’s identification, all four victims have now been named. This development was the result of extraordinary persistence by law enforcement, forensic experts, and our dedicated partners.”
Investigators credited advances in DNA testing, genealogy, and the work of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) for solving the mystery. Rasmussen’s identity was confirmed through a combination of family tree analysis and DNA comparisons.
Authorities are still seeking information on the disappearance of Pepper Reed, another child believed to be connected to Rasmussen.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at (603) 271-2663 or email coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
