The Bear Brook Mystery: Unraveling the Identity of Jane Allenstown Doe 2000

 

The Bear Brook Mystery: Unraveling the Identity of Jane Allenstown Doe 2000

Introduction

In the quiet town of Allenstown, New Hampshire, a chilling discovery in 2000 would eventually unveil one of the most perplexing cold cases in American history. The case, known as the Bear Brook murders, involved the remains of four individuals found in barrels near Bear Brook State Park. Among them was a young girl, later referred to as "Jane Allenstown Doe 2000." Her identity remained a mystery for years, entangled in a web of deceit woven by a man with many aliases: Terry Rasmussen.

The Discovery

On May 9, 2000, the remains of a young girl were found on private property adjacent to Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, NH. She was estimated to be between 2 and 4 years old at the time of her death, placing her birthdate between 1975 and 1977. The child had slightly wavy brown hair and a slight overbite that may have been noticeable. An analysis of her bones suggested she may have had anemia in life, though this could not be confirmed.

This discovery was not isolated. In 1985, a barrel containing the remains of an adult female and a young girl was found in the same area. The 2000 discovery of a second barrel containing two more young girls, including Jane Allenstown Doe 2000, indicated a serial killer's dumping ground.

The Investigation

The investigation into the Bear Brook murders spanned decades, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and forensic experts. DNA profiling revealed that the adult female and two of the children were maternally related, but the fourth child, Jane Allenstown Doe 2000, was not related to the others.

In 2017, authorities announced that DNA testing confirmed Jane Allenstown Doe 2000 was the biological daughter of Terry Rasmussen, a convicted murderer who used numerous aliases, including Bob Evans. Rasmussen died in prison in 2010 while serving a sentence for the murder of his girlfriend in California.

Terry Rasmussen: The Chameleon Killer

Terry Rasmussen's criminal activities spanned several states and decades. He was known for assuming various identities to evade law enforcement. His confirmed crimes include:

• California: Convicted for the murder of his girlfriend, Eunsoon Jun, in 2002.

• New Hampshire: Linked to the Bear Brook murders through DNA evidence.

• Other States: Suspected in multiple disappearances and murders, often involving women and children.

Rasmussen's ability to manipulate and control his victims, coupled with his use of aliases, made tracking his movements and crimes exceedingly difficult.

The Unidentified Mother

Despite confirming Rasmussen as the father of Jane Allenstown Doe 2000, the identity of her mother remains unknown. Investigators believe she may have had connections in Texas, Arizona, California, or Oregon. The lack of information about her has hindered efforts to fully understand the circumstances leading to the child's death.

Advances in Forensic Science

The Bear Brook case is notable for the use of advanced forensic techniques, including:

• DNA Profiling: Used to establish familial relationships among the victims and link them to Rasmussen.

• Facial Reconstruction: Forensic artists created images depicting what the victims may have looked like in life.

• Genetic Genealogy: Helped identify Rasmussen and connect him to the victims.

These methods have revolutionized cold case investigations, offering new hope for solving long-standing mysteries.

Public Involvement and Media Coverage

The Bear Brook case garnered significant public interest, leading to the production of podcasts, documentaries, and news articles. This media attention played a crucial role in generating tips and keeping the case in the public eye.

Ongoing Efforts

Law enforcement agencies continue to seek information about the unidentified victims and Rasmussen's activities. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has been instrumental in these efforts, providing resources and support for the investigation.

How You Can Help

If you have any information related to this case, please contact:

• New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit: Detective John Sonia or Captain Mark Myrdek at 1-603-271-2663

• NCMEC 24-Hour Call Center: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

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Note: For more detailed information and updates on this case, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's official page: Jane Allenstown Doe 2000.