Discovery of decayed remains of four people, including three girls and a woman, unearthed in a steel drum within a city park, shakes the community after a 'serial killer' suspect is linked to the case.
In a chilling revelation, Terry Rasmussen, also known as the Chameleon Killer, has been identified as the serial killer responsible for the deaths of four victims, including his own daughter, Rea Rasmussen.
Rea Rasmussen, who was about 2 to 4 years old when she was murdered, was found dead in a barrel at Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Her identity remained a mystery until extensive DNA testing and documentary records confirmed her identity on September 5, 2023.
The case, which has left unanswered questions, particularly regarding the whereabouts of Rea's mother, Pepper Reed, has taken a shocking turn. Pepper Reed, born in 1952 and originally from Texas, has not been seen since the late 1970s, and her maternal relative has not been found to this day.
Rasmussen, who was known for his ability to take on various identities throughout his years of crime and fleeing police, is also believed to have killed another former girlfriend, Denise Beaudin, who went missing in 1981.
Investigators believe that Rasmussen might have killed Reed as well. The other three victims identified in the case were Marlyse Honeychurch, her daughter Marie Vaughn, and toddler Sarah McWaters. All four victims died of blunt force trauma to their heads and were put in the park at the same time.
The case takes a tragic turn as Rasmussen, who used aliases such as Bob Evans, Larry Vanner, Gerry Mockerman, and Curtis Mayo Kimball, was finally caught in 2002 after killing his girlfriend, chemist Eunsoon Jim.
Attorney General John Formella announced that all four victims now have their names back with the identification of Rea Rasmussen. This development brings a sense of closure to the families of the victims, even as the mystery surrounding Pepper Reed's whereabouts continues.
