edition.cnn.com
Identification of Jane Doe Found in 1985 New Hampshire Cold Case
The identity of a young girl found murdered in a New Hampshire state park in 1985 has been confirmed as Rea Rasmussen, the daughter of serial killer Terry Rasmussen, allowing authorities to identify potential additional victims and continue their investigation.
- How did genetic genealogy contribute to solving this decades-old mystery, and what challenges remain?
- The DNA Doe Project used advanced DNA analysis and genealogical research, tracing descendants from a couple born in the 1780s through a family tree of roughly 25,000 names, to identify Rea Rasmussen and connect her to Terry Rasmussen. The remaining challenge is to locate additional potential victims, notably Pepper Reed and Denise Beaudin, as large gaps exist in Rasmussen's timeline, and more victims are likely.
- What crucial information did the identification of Rea Rasmussen provide to the ongoing investigation?
- The identification of Rea Rasmussen confirmed the identity of one of the four victims found in barrels at Bear Brook State Park in 1985 and 2000. This breakthrough allowed investigators to focus on additional potential victims linked to her father, Terry Rasmussen, a serial killer who died in prison in 2010.
- What are the broader implications of this case, and what steps are being taken to address unresolved questions?
- This case highlights the increasing use of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, especially those involving serial killers. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information about Pepper Reed and Denise Beaudin, and further investigation is expected to address Rasmussen's unaccounted for time periods, which may reveal additional victims.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents the case chronologically, starting with the discovery of the bodies and progressing through the investigation. This structure allows the narrative to build suspense and emphasize the investigative breakthroughs. The headline itself, while factual, highlights the closing of one chapter and opening of another, potentially framing the story around a sense of closure and renewed hope rather than dwelling solely on the tragic aspects. The use of quotes from authorities like Agati emphasizes the emotional weight of the discovery and the ongoing investigation. However, it may unintentionally downplay other significant aspects of the case such as the length of time it took to identify the victim and the systemic issues highlighted by the case.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, employing terms like "authorities said" and "investigators determined." However, phrases like "fulfilled" and "promise kept" in Agati's quote carry an emotional undertone that could subtly influence reader perception. Describing Rasmussen as a "serial killer" is a strong assertion but justified by the evidence presented. The use of phrases such as "vulnerable women" and "targeted" implies premeditation and malice without explicit accusations in order to make the reader infer that the victims were targeted because of their vulnerability. The word "cherished" in the family's statement is an emotionally charged word suggesting the family's deep feelings for their lost family member.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview, it could benefit from including perspectives from victim advocates or experts on serial killer behavior to provide further context. The article also does not focus on the systemic issues that may have allowed Rasmussen's actions to go unnoticed for such a long time. It also does not provide information on the challenges of solving such cases and the resources needed to improve solving such cases in the future. There might also be information about the psychological impact on the families of the victims that would add context and emphasize the human cost of Rasmussen's crimes. Due to space and audience constraints, some details might be necessarily omitted, but highlighting the gaps in the narrative may increase its objectivity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The identification of Rea Rasmussen and the ongoing search for other potential victims directly contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by upholding the rule of law, seeking justice for victims of crime, and strengthening institutions involved in criminal investigations. The case highlights the importance of effective law enforcement, forensic science, and inter-agency collaboration in bringing perpetrators to justice and providing closure to families. The use of genetic genealogy also represents an advancement in investigative techniques that can be applied to other cases, furthering the goal of justice.