The final victim in the Bear Brook murders has been identified as Rea Rasmussen, daughter of suspected serial killer Terry Peder Rasmussen, in a case that has haunted New Hampshire for decades. This breakthrough was announced on September 9, 2025, and brings closure to a decades-old mystery.
- Fourth victim identified as Rea Rasmussen
- Rasmussen's mother, Pepper Reed, remains missing
- Rasmussen linked to multiple murders, died in prison
- DNA and genealogy helped identify Rasmussen's daughter
- Case highlights law enforcement perseverance and cold case efforts
Authorities confirmed that Rea Rasmussen was the fourth victim in the 1985 and 2000 Bear Brook murders, where victims were found in barrels near Concord. DNA and genealogy research by the DNA Doe Project led to her identification, revealing her as the daughter of Terry Peder Rasmussen, a suspected serial killer. Rasmussen, who died in prison in 2010, was linked to multiple deaths but was never connected to these murders during his lifetime. The case has long been a haunting mystery for law enforcement, and this identification offers a measure of justice.
- Rea Rasmussen was identified as the last victim through DNA and genealogy research.
- Her mother, Pepper Reed, has been missing since the late 1970s and may also be a Rasmussen victim.
- Terry Rasmussen, known as the “Chameleon Killer,” used multiple aliases and moved across the country to avoid detection.
- Authorities continue to seek answers about Rasmussen’s full range of crimes and his victims.
This development underscores the importance of forensic advances in solving cold cases and provides closure for families affected by these crimes.
Law enforcement remains committed to uncovering the full extent of Rasmussen’s crimes and locating Pepper Reed, whose disappearance remains unresolved.
