New Hampshire: The Bear Brook Murders

"The Bear Brook murders (also referred to as the Allenstown Four) are female American murder victims, two discovered in 1985 and two in 2000, at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire, United States.[2] All four of the victims were either partially or completely skeletonized; they were believed to have died between 1977 and 1981.

In 2017, investigators named Terry Peder Rasmussen (1943–2010) as the most likely suspect. He was also confirmed, via DNA analysis, as the father of a 2-to-4-year-old girl who was one of the Bear Brook victims. Rasmussen is believed to be responsible for several other murders, including that of Denise Beaudin, his known girlfriend,[5] who disappeared in 1981. Rasmussen was convicted and sentenced for the murder in 2002 of his then-wife, Eunsoon Jun; he died in prison in 2010."

In New Hampshire’s Bear Brook State Park, a series of chilling discoveries spanning decades have come to be known as the Bear Brook Murders. This case, which involves the tragic deaths of multiple victims whose identities remained unknown for years, has gradually unfolded into one of the state’s most perplexing and haunting mysteries.

It all began on November 10, 1985, when a local hunter stumbled upon a disturbing sight in the secluded areas of Bear Brook State Park. Inside a large steel drum, wrapped in plastic, were the remains of an adult female and a young girl. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community and spurred a series of investigations. It wasn’t until 15 years later, on May 9, 2000, that the bodies of two additional young girls were found in a similar manner—inside another drum near the initial discovery site.

Autopsies confirmed that all four victims had suffered blunt force trauma, and investigators were left with more questions than answers. The bodies, partly or completely skeletonized, were believed to have been interred between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite exhaustive investigations and numerous leads, the identities of the victims remained a mystery, and the case went cold for many years.

The eerie method of disposal, with bodies sealed inside large drums, suggested a level of premeditation and a desire to conceal the evidence. Authorities speculated that the perpetrator(s) might have been involved in multiple crimes, possibly using the remote location of Bear Brook State Park as a dumping ground.

In 2017, advancements in DNA technology and genealogical research began to shed new light on the case. Investigators, with the assistance of experts in forensic genealogy, were able to identify three of the victims through familial DNA testing and public databases. However, the fourth victim remained unidentified, further deepening the mystery.

The breakthrough not only provided some measure of closure to the families involved but also re-energized the investigation, leading to new leads and renewed public interest. The case became a symbol of how modern technology can offer answers to long-cold cases, even those as enigmatic as the Bear Brook Murders.

The Bear Brook Murders have left a lasting impact on New Hampshire, both as a cautionary tale and as a reminder of the importance of continued advancements in forensic science. The local community has remained vigilant, with regular updates from law enforcement and forensic experts working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to these tragic losses.

Public interest in the case has also prompted broader discussions about missing persons and cold cases, inspiring similar investigations in other parts of the country. The case highlights the need for collaboration between local authorities, federal agencies, and independent experts, ensuring that no lead is left unexplored.

Today, the Bear Brook Murders remain one of New Hampshire’s most enduring mysteries—a series of tragedies that have spanned decades and touched countless lives. While the identities of some victims have been revealed, the unresolved aspects of the case continue to inspire both grief and determination. The ongoing efforts to fully solve the case are a testament to the resilience of those who refuse to let these stories fade into obscurity.