The Bear Brook Murders is one of the most shocking cold cases in American history. For over 30 years, investigators searched for answers after four victims were discovered inside barrels in Bear Brook State Park, New Hampshire. Initially, law enforcement had few leads, leaving the case unsolved for decades.
However, everything changed with a groundbreaking DNA breakthrough. In Episode 98 of Yore Town Podcast, Matt and Megh unravel the case, piece by piece. They discuss the gruesome discovery, the frustrating investigation, and the cutting-edge forensic science that finally identified the killer: Terry Peter Rasmussen, also known as The Chameleon Killer.
The Bear Brook Murders: A Crime That Spanned Decades
In 1985, a barrel containing two bodies was found in Bear Brook State Park. At the time, investigators struggled to determine the victims' identities. With limited forensic technology available, the case quickly went cold.
Fifteen years later, in 2000, another barrel surfaced in the same area. Shockingly, it contained two additional victims, deepening the mystery. Since no clear evidence pointed to a suspect, the case remained unsolved for years.
Meanwhile, law enforcement continued searching for answers. Investigators re-examined the evidence, hoping to uncover new leads. Although progress was slow, forensic advancements would eventually provide the breakthrough they needed.
A DNA Breakthrough That Changed Everything
By 2017, major advancements in DNA technology and genetic genealogy led to a crucial turning point.
🔎 Key Discoveries:
✔️ The adult female victim was the mother of two of the girls.
✔️ The killer, Terry Rasmussen, had a long history of using fake identities.
✔️ One victim remains unidentified, leaving part of the case unsolved.
Ultimately, this case became a landmark moment in forensic science. It demonstrated how genetic genealogy could help solve decades-old mysteries.
Why the Bear Brook Murders Still Matter
This investigation set a new precedent for solving cold cases. Thanks to genetic genealogy, law enforcement now has a powerful tool for identifying victims and tracking down criminals. More importantly, it proved that no case is ever too old to be solved.
Despite these advancements, one question remains unanswered:
🚨 Who is the fourth victim? 🚨
What You’ll Hear in Episode 98
🎙️ "Who are these victims?"
🎙️ "The first two bodies were discovered in 1985."
🎙️ "A major breakthrough happened in 2017."
🎙️ "Bear Brook remains a haunting reminder of unsolved cases."
Episode Breakdown
🕵️ 00:00 – Introduction: The chilling story of the Bear Brook Murders
🔍 02:59 – The shocking discovery of the victims
📜 06:13 – The investigation and unanswered questions
🧬 11:59 – How DNA and genetic genealogy changed everything
🚨 14:56 – Unmasking the killer, Terry Rasmussen
🧩 21:04 – What mysteries remain?
Listen to the Full Episode Now!
The Bear Brook Murders case proves that truth can be uncovered—even after decades. Join Matt and Megh as they reveal the full story and discuss the lasting impact of this investigation.
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