UPDATE: A decades-old mystery has been solved as authorities announce the identification of a young girl found dead in a New Hampshire state park nearly 25 years ago. This revelation not only closes a significant chapter in a long-standing investigation but also raises urgent questions about more victims associated with her father, the notorious serial killer Terry Rasmussen.
The girl, now identified as Rea Rasmussen, was one of four victims discovered in barrels at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire. The case, which began in 1985, has captivated and horrified the public, highlighting the power of genetic genealogy in crime-solving. Authorities confirmed that all four children were murdered in the late 1970s or early 1980s, with Rea’s identification now prompting a renewed search for her likely mother, Pepper Reed, and another potential victim, Denise Beaudin.
In a press conference held on September 8, 2025, New Hampshire State Police Det. Sgt. Christopher Elphick urged the public to come forward with any information. “Our work is not done,” he stated. “If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, we urge you to come forward. After more than four decades, your piece of the puzzle could be the one that finally brings justice.”
The identification stemmed from a collaborative effort between the New Hampshire State Police’s cold case unit and the DNA Doe Project, which utilized extensive DNA analysis and genealogical research. They meticulously compiled a family tree with approximately 25,000 names, ultimately tracing Rea’s lineage back to a couple born in the 1780s.
Rasmussen, who died in prison in 2010 after being convicted of murdering another woman, lived with Beaudin and her infant daughter before their disappearance in 1981. By 1985, he was in California with Rea, posing as a grieving widower. Investigators suspect he targeted vulnerable women, isolating them from their families to avoid detection.
Elphick emphasized the gaps in Rasmussen’s timeline, suggesting that it is “highly unlikely” he ceased his criminal behavior. “It’s certainly possible we’re going to make some more discoveries, not just about the whereabouts of Pepper Reed and Denise Beaudin, but additional victims as well,” he added.
A victim witness specialist read a heartfelt statement from Pepper Reed’s family, expressing their enduring love and loss. “First and foremost, we want to express that Pepper is deeply loved and missed every single day,” they said. “Though we did not have an opportunity to meet Rea, she is cherished just as much in our hearts. Our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve.”
As detectives continue their investigation, the public is left grappling with the tragic implications of this case, which blends the past with urgent questions about justice and healing. The search for answers is far from over, and authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
