Who was Terry Rasmussen, and why did he earn the nickname "Chameleon Killer"? Terry Peder Rasmussen, born on December 23, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, was a notorious serial killer whose crimes spanned decades and multiple states. Known for his ability to assume various identities, Rasmussen evaded law enforcement for years. His aliases included "Bob Evans," "Curtis Kimball," and "Larry Vanner," among others. His most infamous crimes involved the Bear Brook murders, where four bodies were found in barrels at Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire. Through DNA evidence and genetic genealogy, investigators linked Rasmussen to these and other crimes, revealing a chilling pattern of deception and violence.
Key Takeaways:
- Terry Rasmussen, also known as the "Chameleon Killer," used multiple identities to evade capture for decades, leaving a lasting impact on law enforcement strategies and public awareness.
- Modern forensic techniques, including genetic genealogy, played a crucial role in identifying Rasmussen as the prime suspect in the Bear Brook murders, highlighting the power of continued investigative efforts in solving cold cases.
Terry Rasmussen: The Chameleon Killer
Terry Peder Rasmussen, also known as the "Chameleon Killer," was a notorious serial killer whose crimes spanned decades and multiple states. His ability to assume various identities and evade detection for so long earned him this infamous nickname. Here are 35 key facts about Terry Rasmussen and his crimes.
Early Life and Background
Understanding Rasmussen's early life provides insight into the making of a serial killer.
- Birth and Early Life: Terry Peder Rasmussen was born on December 23, 1943, in Denver, Colorado.
- Family Background: He grew up in Arizona, attending North High School in Phoenix until he dropped out during his sophomore year in 1960.
- Military Service: In 1961, Rasmussen enlisted in the United States Navy, where he trained as an electrician. He served until his discharge in 1967.
Family and Personal Life
Rasmussen's personal life was as tumultuous as his criminal activities.
- Marriage and Children: Rasmussen married in 1968 and had four children between 1969 and 1972. His family lived in Phoenix and Redwood City, California.
- Divorce and Family Separation: His wife left him between 1973 and 1974, taking their children with her. The family last saw him around Christmas 1974.
The Many Faces of Rasmussen
Rasmussen's ability to assume multiple identities made him a master of deception.
- Aliases and Movements: He used at least five different aliases, including "Bob Evans," "Curtis Kimball," "Gordon Jenson," "Larry Vanner," and "Gerry Mockerman".
- Crimes and Arrests: Rasmussen was arrested multiple times for various crimes, including writing bad checks, theft, and diverting electric current. He often traveled with women and children.
The Bear Brook Murders
One of the most chilling aspects of Rasmussen's criminal career involves the Bear Brook murders.
- Bear Brook Murders: Between 1978 and 1981, four bodies were found in two barrels at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire. The victims were identified as Marlyse Elizabeth Honeychurch and her two daughters, as well as Rasmussen's own daughter.
- Denise Beaudin and Lisa: In 1981, Denise Beaudin disappeared from Manchester, New Hampshire, with her six-month-old daughter Lisa. Rasmussen, using the alias "Bob Evans," was suspected of killing Beaudin and taking Lisa to California.
Child Abandonment and DNA Evidence
Rasmussen's crimes extended to child abandonment and the use of DNA evidence to uncover his true identity.
- Child Abandonment: In 1986, Rasmussen abandoned Lisa at an RV park in Scotts Valley, California, under the alias "Gordon Jenson." He was later arrested for child abandonment and received a three-year prison sentence.
- DNA Evidence: DNA analysis confirmed that Rasmussen was Lisa's father, but he had claimed she was his daughter to conceal his true identity.
The Murder of Eunsoon Jun
Rasmussen's violent tendencies continued with the murder of his girlfriend.
- Eunsoon Jun's Murder: In 2002, Rasmussen was convicted of murdering his then-girlfriend Eunsoon Jun. He died in prison on December 28, 2010.
Identification Through Genetic Genealogy
Modern forensic techniques played a crucial role in identifying Rasmussen as the Bear Brook killer.
- Identification Through Genetic Genealogy: In 2017, investigators used genetic genealogy to identify Rasmussen as the prime suspect in the Bear Brook murders. This method involved comparing DNA samples from the crime scene with those in public genealogy databases.
- Confirmation of Identity: DNA profiling confirmed that Rasmussen was indeed the killer, despite his numerous aliases and evasive tactics.
Victims and Possible Additional Crimes
Rasmussen's known victims and the possibility of more undiscovered crimes.
- Victim Identification: Three of the Bear Brook victims were identified as Marlyse Elizabeth Honeychurch and her two daughters. The identity of Rasmussen's daughter remains unknown.
- Possible Additional Victims: Authorities suspect that Rasmussen may have killed more people, including Denise Beaudin and the mother of his unidentified daughter.
- San Joaquin County Incident: In 1995, scavengers found a refrigerator containing what might be another victim of Rasmussen's in San Joaquin County, California.
Law Enforcement Efforts and Challenges
Despite numerous arrests and investigations, Rasmussen managed to evade capture for many years.
- Law Enforcement Efforts: Rasmussen's ability to assume new identities and move frequently made it difficult for law enforcement to capture him.
- Alias Usage: His use of multiple aliases allowed him to blend into different communities and avoid detection. He was known as "Curtis Kimball," "Gordon Jenson," "Larry Vanner," and "Gerry Mockerman," among others.
Physical Abuse and Criminal Charges
Rasmussen's abusive behavior extended to his family and various criminal activities.
- Physical Abuse: Rasmussen was physically abusive to his family members, including burning one of his sons with cigarette butts.
- Arrests and Charges: He faced various charges including writing bad checks, theft, diverting electric current, driving under the influence, child endangerment, and child abandonment.
Prison Sentences and Unofficial Marriage
Rasmussen's life in and out of prison and his unofficial marriage to Eunsoon Jun.
- Prison Sentences: Rasmussen received a three-year prison sentence for child abandonment in 1989. He was paroled in 1990 but absconded almost immediately, becoming a fugitive.
- Unofficial Marriage: In 2001, Rasmussen had an unofficial backyard marriage ceremony with Eunsoon Jun in Richmond, California. No marriage certificates were ever filed.
Murder Conviction and DNA Testing
Rasmussen's conviction for murder and the role of DNA testing in uncovering his crimes.
- Murder Conviction: Despite his attorneys' advice, Rasmussen pleaded guilty to murdering Eunsoon Jun during his trial. This conviction led to his imprisonment until his death in 2010.
- DNA Testing: DNA testing confirmed that Rasmussen was not Lisa's biological father, leading investigators to search for her true mother. Denise Beaudin was identified as Lisa's mother through DNA evidence.
Denise Beaudin's Disappearance
The mysterious disappearance of Denise Beaudin and her connection to Rasmussen.
- Denise Beaudin's Disappearance: Denise Beaudin disappeared from Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1981 with her six-month-old daughter Lisa. Rasmussen, using the alias "Bob Evans," was suspected of killing Beaudin and taking Lisa with him to California.
- Lisa's Protective Custody: In 1986, Lisa was taken into protective custody after Rasmussen abandoned her at an RV park in Scotts Valley, California. Police believed she might have siblings who were killed by Rasmussen.
Middle Child's Identity and Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough
The unknown identity of Rasmussen's middle child and the breakthrough in genetic genealogy.
- Middle Child's Identity: The identity of Rasmussen's middle child remains unknown. Authorities fear that her mother may also be a victim of Rasmussen's crimes.
- Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough: The use of genetic genealogy in 2017 was instrumental in identifying Rasmussen as the prime suspect in the Bear Brook murders. This method involves comparing DNA samples from crime scenes with those in public genealogy databases.
Role of Amateur Sleuths and Media Coverage
The contributions of amateur sleuths and media in solving the case.
- Amateur Sleuths' Role: Amateur sleuths like Rebekah Heath and Barbara Rae-Venter played a crucial role in solving the Bear Brook murders through their obsessive research and DNA analysis.
- New Hampshire Public Radio Podcast: In October 2018, New Hampshire Public Radio released a podcast called “Bear Brook,” which explored the case in detail and highlighted the investigative efforts that led to Rasmussen's identification.
Media Reports and Law Enforcement Statements
Insights from media reports and law enforcement about Rasmussen's criminal activities.
- Los Angeles Times Report: The Los Angeles Times reported on Rasmussen's extensive use of aliases and his multiple arrests under different names, including Robert Evans and Gerry Mockerman.
- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy’s Statement: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Peter Headley explained how Rasmussen used multiple aliases to evade detection, stating, “All the same guy”.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Involvement
The role of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in the investigation.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Involvement: Carol Schweitzer from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children expressed concerns that the mother of Rasmussen’s unidentified daughter might also be a victim of his crimes.
Legacy and Impact
Rasmussen's case has left a lasting impact on law enforcement strategies and public awareness.
- Legacy and Impact: Terry Peder Rasmussen's case serves as a testament to the power of modern forensic techniques and the importance of continued investigative efforts in solving cold cases. His crimes have left a lasting impact on law enforcement strategies and public awareness about serial killers and their methods.
The Chameleon Killer's Legacy
Terry Rasmussen, known as the Chameleon Killer, left a trail of devastation across multiple states. His ability to adopt various identities allowed him to evade capture for years. From his early life in Arizona to his military service and subsequent descent into crime, Rasmussen's story is a chilling reminder of the dark side of human nature. His crimes, including the Bear Brook murders and the disappearance of Denise Beaudin, highlight the importance of modern forensic techniques like genetic genealogy. Despite his death in 2010, the impact of his actions continues to be felt. Law enforcement and amateur sleuths alike have worked tirelessly to piece together his crimes, bringing some measure of justice to his victims. The case of Terry Rasmussen underscores the need for vigilance and innovation in solving cold cases, ensuring that even the most elusive criminals are eventually brought to light.
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