Urgent: Girl Identified as Serial Killer’s Daughter, Investigation Expands
BREAKING: A decades-old mystery has been solved as authorities identify a little girl found dead in a New Hampshire state park nearly 25 years ago. This revelation not only closes a significant chapter in a lengthy investigation but also sparks a renewed search for possible victims of her serial killer father, Terry Rasmussen.
The case dates back to 1985, when a hunter discovered the bodies of a woman and 9-year-old girl in a barrel at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown. In 2000, another barrel was found nearby containing the remains of two more young girls, aged 2 and 3. All four victims were determined to have been murdered in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
Until recently, investigators had identified all but one of the victims, known as the “middle child.” Thanks to a collaboration between the New Hampshire State Police cold case unit and the DNA Doe Project, officials now confirm the identity of the girl as Rea Rasmussen. Her father, Terry Rasmussen, who died in prison in 2010, was convicted of another murder in California.
At a press conference on September 8, 2025, Senior Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Agati expressed relief, stating, “Today, we’re no longer frustrated… we have that name, and it feels like a promise kept.” Investigators utilized extensive genetic genealogy, constructing a family tree with around 25,000 names, ultimately tracing Rea’s lineage back to her mother, Pepper Reed, who has been missing since the late 1970s.
Authorities are now urging the public to come forward with any information regarding Reed or another potential victim, Denise Beaudin. New Hampshire State Police Detective Sergeant Christopher Elphick stated, “Our work is not done… your piece of the puzzle could be the one that finally brings justice.”
Rasmussen’s criminal history reveals a pattern of targeting vulnerable women, often alienating them from their families to avoid detection. He used multiple aliases and lived across various states including California, New Hampshire, and Texas. Following his conviction for murder in California, gaps in his timeline raise concerns about potential additional victims.
Elphick noted, “It’s highly unlikely that he stopped doing what he was doing. It’s certainly possible we’re going to make some more discoveries.” The investigation continues, with a focus on the whereabouts of Reed and Beaudin, as well as the potential for uncovering more victims.
Family members of Pepper Reed released a statement expressing their love and grief, stating, “Though we did not have an opportunity to meet Rea, she is cherished just as much in our hearts.” They have asked for privacy as they navigate their loss.
As this urgent investigation unfolds, authorities remain committed to bringing closure to the families affected by these tragedies. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
