The Disappearance of Laureen Ann Rahn: A 45-Year Mystery

On April 27, 1980, 14-year-old Laureen Ann Rahn vanished from her third-floor apartment at 289 Merrimack Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. Despite extensive investigations and numerous theories, her case remains unsolved, leaving behind a trail of questions and a family desperate for answers.Wikipedia+12Medium+12Criminal Discourse Podcast+12Calendar of Crime

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Early Life and Background

Laureen was born on April 3, 1966, in Manchester, New Hampshire. Her parents divorced when she was an infant, and she was primarily raised by her mother, Judith Rahn. The two lived in Miami, Florida, for a time before returning to Manchester when Laureen was 10 years old. By 1980, they resided in a third-floor apartment on Merrimack Street.Wikipedia+4Tapatalk+4Criminal Discourse Podcast+4caseacquaintpodcast.podbean.com+5Wikipedia+5Charley Project+5Criminal Discourse Podcast

Described as a bright and outgoing eighth grader at Parkside Junior High School, Laureen had aspirations of becoming an actress. However, she also faced challenges, including experimenting with alcohol and marijuana and spending time with peers who were considered a negative influence. Despite these struggles, Laureen maintained a close relationship with her mother and extended family.rcccmcc.com+5Criminal Discourse Podcast+5Charley Project+5

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The Night of Disappearance

On the evening of April 26, 1980, Judith Rahn attended a tennis match with her boyfriend, leaving Laureen at home. Laureen invited two friends over—one male and one female. The trio drank beer and wine together, and at some point during the evening, the male friend left the apartment after hearing noises in the hallway, assuming it was Judith returning home. He exited through the back door, and later reported hearing Laureen lock it behind him.caseacquaintpodcast.podbean.com+5Wikipedia+5Manchester Ink Link+5Charley Project+2Manchester Ink Link+2Criminal Discourse Podcast+2

Upon Judith's return around 1:15 a.m., she noticed the hallways were dark, with all light bulbs unscrewed. The front door was unlocked, and inside, Judith found a figure sleeping in Laureen's bed. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be Laureen's female friend, who claimed to have seen Laureen sleeping on the couch. Laureen's purse, money, and new sneakers were found in the living room, but there were no signs of a struggle.Murder, She Told+5Wikipedia+5Criminal Discourse Podcast+5Manchester Ink Link+4Criminal Discourse Podcast+4Wikipedia+4Charley Project+1Criminal Discourse Podcast+1

Judith immediately began searching the neighborhood and contacted the police at 3:45 a.m. to report her daughter missing. Initially, authorities suspected Laureen had run away, but the absence of her personal belongings and the lack of a struggle led investigators to consider foul play.Charley Project+4Manchester Ink Link+4Criminal Discourse Podcast+4

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Investigative Leads and Theories

California Phone Calls

In October 1980, Judith discovered charges for three phone calls on her bill placed from California. Two calls were made from a motel in Santa Monica to another motel in Santa Ana, and the third was to a teen sexual assistance hotline. Investigators contacted the physician who operated the hotline, but he initially denied any knowledge of the call. Years later, he claimed that numerous young women occasionally visited his wife at their home and that one of the girls may have been from New Hampshire. However, no evidence directly linked these calls to Laureen.Manchester Ink Link+7CrimeWatchers+7Criminal Discourse Podcast+7Criminal Discourse Podcast+5Charley Project+5CrimeWatchers+5Manchester Ink Link+4Wikipedia+4Doe Network+4

Mysterious Phone Calls

Over the following years, Judith received numerous silent phone calls, often at 3:45 a.m., and more frequently during the Christmas holidays. The caller never spoke, and the calls eventually stopped after Judith changed her phone number. Some family members believed these calls might have been from Laureen, but there was no concrete evidence to support this theory.Wikipedia+2rcccmcc.com+2Charley Project+2Charley Project+1Wikipedia+1

Alleged Sightings

There were unconfirmed reports of Laureen being seen in various locations after her disappearance. A family member reported seeing a girl matching her description at a bus terminal in Boston in 1981. Additionally, a witness claimed to have seen a sex worker in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1988 who resembled Laureen. However, these sightings were never substantiated.Wikipedia+17rcccmcc.com+17Charley Project+17Wikipedia+1Charley Project+1Charley Project

Connection to Terry Peder Rasmussen

Terry Peder Rasmussen, a convicted serial killer, lived approximately a mile and a half from Laureen's apartment when she disappeared. Rasmussen was later linked to several other disappearances and murders, including that of Denise Daneault, a woman who went missing from Manchester in 1980. Despite the proximity and timing, no direct evidence has connected Rasmussen to Laureen's case.Charley Project+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4

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Current Status

As of 2025, Laureen would be 59 years old. Her case remains open, and authorities continue to investigate any new leads. The Manchester Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward. Laureen's family maintains hope that she is still alive and that answers will eventually emerge.doj.nh.gov+3manchesternh.gov+3Criminal Discourse Podcast+3

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How You Can Help

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Laureen Ann Rahn, please contact the Manchester Police Department at (603) 668-8711. You can also submit tips anonymously through the New Hampshire Department of Justice Cold Case Unit: doj.nh.gov.Wikipedia+6doj.nh.gov+6Calendar of Crime+6

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Conclusion

The disappearance of Laureen Ann Rahn is a haunting reminder of the many unsolved cases that continue to affect families and communities. Despite decades of investigation, Laureen's fate remains unknown. Her story underscores the importance of vigilance, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of justice for those who are missing.

For more information and resources, you can visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: