New Hampshire may be known for its scenic beauty and small-town charm, but it has also been the site of some shocking and unforgettable true crime cases. From murders to disappearances, these crimes have left a lasting impact on the state and the country. Here are five of the most high-profile cases that have taken place in New Hampshire.
- Pamela Smart – In 1990, Pamela Smart, a high school media coordinator, was convicted of conspiring with her teenage lover to murder her husband. The case received national attention due to Smart’s appearance and the media frenzy that surrounded it.
- The Allenstown Four – In 1985, a hunter discovered the bodies of a woman and three children in a barrel in Allenstown. The case remained unsolved for decades until 2019, when DNA evidence finally identified the victims and their killer: Terry Peder Rasmussen, a serial killer known as the “Chameleon.”
- Carl Drega – In 1997, Carl Drega, a self-proclaimed “freedom fighter,” went on a shooting rampage in the town of Colebrook, killing four people, including two state troopers. Drega had a history of anti-government views and had been involved in several confrontations with law enforcement.
- The Connecticut River Valley Killer – In the 1980s, a series of murders occurred in the Connecticut River Valley, which spans New Hampshire and Vermont. The killer, who was never caught, targeted women and couples, and the case remains unsolved to this day.
- Sheila LaBarre – In 2008, Sheila LaBarre was convicted of murdering two men on her Epping farm. She claimed to have killed them in self-defense, but evidence showed otherwise. LaBarre was known for her bizarre behavior and had a history of mental illness.
These cases are just a few examples of the shocking and often unsettling crimes that have taken place in New Hampshire. While the state may be small, its impact on true crime history cannot be underestimated.
Leave a comment