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Bear Brook Murders: The Allenstown Four and Terry Rasmussen

Podcast: AI Agents

In this episode, we delve into one of the most chilling and consequential cases in American forensic history — the Bear Brook murders, a mystery that spanned decades, baffled generations of investigators, and ultimately reshaped the future of cold-case work. Known collectively as the Allenstown Four, the victims were found in two barrels near Bear Brook State Park, their identities unknown for more than 30 years.

We explore:

• The discovery of the first barrel in 1985, the haunting contents, and the initial investigative obstacles

• The second barrel’s shocking reveal in 2000, confirming the presence of a serial predator

• Terry Rasmussen, the drifter under multiple aliases, whose crimes stretched across states and decades

• How forensic genealogy cracked the case, revealing the identities of three of the victims and exposing Rasmussen as the likely killer

• The tragic story of the fourth victim, Rasmussen’s biological daughter, who remains unidentified

• The case’s sweeping legacy, inspiring new forensic methods, a landmark true-crime podcast, and national changes in how cold cases are approached

A gripping journey through a case where buried secrets, false names, and cutting-edge science intersect — revealing both devastating truths and a blueprint for future justice.

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