Source: Discoveryplus.com

What are the Bear Brook Murders? The Bear Brook Murders, also known as the Allenstown Four, are a chilling unsolved case involving the discovery of four female bodies in two steel barrels at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire. The first barrel was found in 1985, containing a woman and a young girl. Fifteen years later, another barrel with two more young girls was discovered. DNA analysis linked these victims to Terry Peder Rasmussen, a drifter with multiple aliases. Despite his death in 2010, the case remains partially unsolved, with one victim still unidentified. This tragic mystery continues to captivate true crime enthusiasts and investigators alike.

Key Takeaways:

The Bear Brook Murders, a chilling unsolved case, involved the discovery of four female victims in steel barrels at a New Hampshire park. DNA analysis and community involvement played crucial roles in unraveling the mystery.
Terry Peder Rasmussen, the primary suspect, used aliases and had a dark past. The case's impact on forensic science and the unresolved fate of the middle child add layers of complexity to this tragic true crime story.

Table of Contents

35 Facts About the Bear Brook Murders

The Bear Brook murders, also known as the Allenstown Four, are one of the most chilling and complex unsolved cases in American true crime history. This case involves the discovery of four female victims whose bodies were found in two steel barrels at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire. Here are 35 key facts about this tragic case:

The Discovery and Location

Bear Brook State Park, a serene recreational area in New Hampshire, became the grim scene of a horrific crime.

Location: The murders took place at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire, a popular spot known for its hiking trails and scenic beauty.
Discovery: The first barrel containing two bodies was discovered in 1985 by a hunter. The second barrel, containing the remains of two more victims, was found 15 years later in 2000 by parkgoers.

The Victims

The identities and relationships of the victims add layers of complexity to the case.

Victims: The victims were identified as a mother and her two daughters from different biological fathers. The mother was Marlyse Elizabeth Honeychurch, and her daughters were Marie Elizabeth Vaughn and Sarah Lynn McWaters. The middle child, who was confirmed to be Terry Peder Rasmussen’s daughter, remains unidentified.
Cause of Death: The victims died from blunt trauma, indicating they were likely killed with a blunt object.

The Suspect: Terry Peder Rasmussen

Terry Peder Rasmussen, a man with many aliases and a dark past, is the primary suspect in these murders.

Suspect: Terry Peder Rasmussen, also known as Robert "Bob" Evans, is the primary suspect in the Bear Brook murders. He was identified through DNA analysis and was confirmed to be the father of one of the young girls among the victims.
Rasmussen’s Background: Rasmussen was an electrician and handyman who spent a significant amount of time in New Hampshire, particularly around Bear Brook State Park. He used various aliases, including Curtis Kimball and Larry Vanner.

Connections to Other Cases

Rasmussen's criminal activities spanned multiple states and involved other victims.

Denise Beaudin Connection: The disappearance of Denise Beaudin, a woman from New Hampshire who went missing in 1981, is linked to Rasmussen. Beaudin disappeared with her young daughter and then-boyfriend Robert "Bob" Evans. Evans later abandoned a young girl named "Lisa" at a campground in California in 1986.
Lisa’s Identity: In 2016, with the help of detective Peter Headley and genetic genealogist Barbara Rae-Venter, "Lisa" was discovered to be Denise Beaudin’s daughter. This revelation helped investigators connect Beaudin’s disappearance to the Bear Brook murders.

DNA Analysis and Breakthroughs

Advancements in DNA technology played a crucial role in unraveling this case.

Rasmussen’s Conviction: Rasmussen was convicted and sentenced for the murder of his then-wife, Eunsoon Jun, in 2002. He died in prison in 2010.
DNA Analysis: DNA testing played a crucial role in solving the case. The DNA from the bodies found in the barrels was matched with DNA samples from Rasmussen’s first marriage, confirming his identity as the father of one of the young girls.
Middle Child’s Identity: The middle child, confirmed as Rasmussen’s daughter, remains unidentified. This child is believed to have been in Rasmussen’s custody at the time of the murders.

The Investigation

The investigation into the Bear Brook murders was a complex and collaborative effort.

Timeline: The victims likely died between 1978 and 1981, based on the date they disappeared and available documents.
Investigation: The investigation into the Bear Brook murders was complex and involved multiple agencies. Private citizens, including amateur sleuths, also contributed significantly to the case by providing tips and researching online.
Rebekah Heath’s Role: Rebekah Heath, a research librarian, became obsessed with the Bear Brook case. She listened to the Bear Brook podcast and spent hours combing through online message boards looking for information that matched the details announced by law enforcement.

Key Figures and Contributions

Several individuals played pivotal roles in advancing the investigation.

Sarah McWaters’ Search: Heath found a post from a half-brother searching for his half-sister, Sarah McWaters, which led to a crucial lead in identifying one of the victims.
Forensic Services Unit: Carol Schweitzer, a supervisor of the Forensic Services Unit at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, played a key role in the investigation by providing insights into Rasmussen’s activities in New Hampshire.
Billy Jensen’s Involvement: Billy Jensen, an investigative journalist and author of "Chase Darkness With Me," helped investigators by providing context and understanding of the case’s complexities.
Detective Matthew Koehler’s Contribution: Det. Sgt. Matthew Koehler of the New Hampshire State Major Crime Unit received a credible tip that helped identify at least three of the victims.

Community and Media Involvement

The case drew intense interest from the public and media, leading to significant breakthroughs.

Private Citizens’ Involvement: The case drew intense interest from private citizens who took an active role in solving it. This collaboration between law enforcement and amateur sleuths is a unique aspect of the Bear Brook case.
Podcast Coverage: The Bear Brook podcast, hosted by Jason Moon, provides detailed narratives of the case. The podcast includes interviews with those closest to the cases and periodic updates on new developments.

The Bear Brook Podcast

The podcast has been instrumental in bringing attention to the case and providing detailed insights.

Season One Focus: The first season of the podcast explores how new DNA techniques helped solve a cold case. It details how locals discovered the two steel barrels containing four bodies and how police identified the victims using advancements in DNA profiling.
Season Two Focus: The second season delves into Jason Carroll’s controversial case. Carroll confessed to murdering Sharon Johnson in 1988 but claims his confession was coerced. The season aims to answer difficult questions about Carroll’s involvement and the case’s complexities.
Jason Moon’s Background: Jason Moon is a reporter and producer at New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). Before covering true crime stories, he focused on political news, particularly presidential elections. His work on the Bear Brook podcast has provided compelling narratives for tragic and controversial cases.
Soundtrack: Moon creates the excellent soundtrack for the show, which includes a solemn piano that underscores the emotional weight of the stories. Fans of the show can find detailed timelines of each case on the podcast’s website.
Updates on Carroll’s Case: The show provides periodic updates as new developments emerge in Carroll’s case. It also features other true crime stories in additional seasons.

Impact on Forensic Science

The Bear Brook case has had a lasting effect on forensic science and murder investigations.

Impact on Forensics: The Bear Brook case has had a lasting effect on forensic science and murder investigations. It highlights the importance of DNA analysis in solving cold cases.
Complex Web of Crimes: The case initially seemed like isolated incidents but revealed a complex web of crimes across the United States. Despite the main suspect never facing trial for these murders, he went to prison for another crime.
Rasmussen’s Activities: Rasmussen was known to have spent a significant amount of time in New Hampshire, particularly around Bear Brook State Park. He used to fix up and do electrical work at a camp store on the property.

Unresolved Mysteries

Despite significant progress, some aspects of the case remain unresolved.

Denise Beaudin’s Disappearance: Denise Beaudin disappeared from Manchester, New Hampshire, along with her young daughter and then-boyfriend Robert "Bob" Evans. Evans later abandoned Lisa at a campground in California in 1986.
Lisa’s Discovery: In 2016, Lisa was discovered to be Denise Beaudin’s daughter through DNA analysis. This revelation helped connect Beaudin’s disappearance to the Bear Brook murders.
Rasmussen’s Legal Identity: Rasmussen used various aliases, including Curtis Kimball and Larry Vanner. His legal identity remained unknown until DNA analysis confirmed his involvement in the case.
Middle Child’s Fate: The middle child, confirmed as Rasmussen’s daughter, remains unidentified. This child is believed to have been in Rasmussen’s custody at the time of the murders, adding to the tragedy of the case.

Community and Media Impact

The case has drawn significant attention from local communities and the media.

Community Involvement: The case drew intense interest from local communities and private citizens who took an active role in solving it. This collaboration between law enforcement and amateur sleuths is a unique aspect of the Bear Brook case.
Podcast Reception: The Bear Brook podcast has received high praise from listeners. It is described as one of the greatest true crime podcasts ever made, with many listeners binge-watching the series.
Legacy of the Case: The Bear Brook murders have left a lasting impact on forensic science and true crime investigations. The case highlights the importance of DNA analysis and community involvement in solving complex and tragic crimes.

The Lasting Impact of the Bear Brook Murders

The Bear Brook murders have left a significant mark on forensic science and true crime investigations. This case, involving the discovery of four female victims in Bear Brook State Park, showcases the importance of DNA analysis in solving cold cases. The identification of the victims and the connection to Terry Peder Rasmussen highlight the complexities of criminal investigations.

The involvement of private citizens, amateur sleuths, and dedicated professionals underscores the power of community collaboration in seeking justice. The Bear Brook podcast has brought widespread attention to this tragic story, providing detailed narratives and updates on new developments. As advancements in forensic science continue, the hope remains that all victims will be identified, and justice will be served. The Bear Brook murders remind us of the perseverance needed to solve even the most challenging cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat are the Bear Brook murders?

Bear Brook murders refer to a chilling case where four unidentified female bodies were discovered in barrels in Bear Brook State Park, New Hampshire, across two separate discoveries in 1985 and 2000. This mystery baffled authorities for years, as they struggled to identify the victims and piece together what happened.

QWho were the victims of this case?

Initially, the identities of the victims remained a mystery, complicating the investigation. However, through advanced DNA technology and genealogical research, authorities were eventually able to identify them as a woman and three girls who were related. Their names were Marlyse Elizabeth Honeychurch, Marie Elizabeth Vaughn, Sarah Lynn McWaters, and an unrelated girl, Rasmussen's biological daughter.

QHow were the victims discovered?

Two of the victims were found in a metal drum in the park in 1985 by a hunter, while the remaining two were discovered in 2000 by a state trooper during a training exercise, also in a metal drum, not far from the first discovery site.

QWho was responsible for the Bear Brook murders?

Terry Peder Rasmussen, also known by several aliases including Bob Evans, was identified as the perpetrator behind these heinous acts. His connection to the murders and the victims was established through forensic investigations, DNA evidence, and genealogical research.

QHow did investigators finally solve the case?

The breakthrough in the case came from the combination of DNA analysis and genealogical research. By creating a genetic profile of the victims and comparing it with databases, investigators were able to trace their lineage and eventually identify them. Similarly, Rasmussen's identity was confirmed through DNA from a relative.

QWhy did it take so long to solve the Bear Brook murders?

Several factors contributed to the lengthy investigation, including the initial inability to identify the victims, the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies, and the lack of digital and forensic technology in the early stages of the investigation. Over time, improvements in DNA technology and the advent of genealogical research methods provided the necessary tools to crack the case.

QAre there any more victims linked to Terry Peder Rasmussen?

Rasmussen is suspected of having more victims, given his history of using aliases and moving frequently across the United States. Investigations into his past and potential connections to other unsolved cases are ongoing, as authorities work to determine the full extent of his crimes.

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