‘Bear Brook’ is back: Did Jason Carroll murder Sharon Johnson in 1988?
This season on NHPR’s “Bear Brook,” reporter/podcast host Jason Moon is telling Jason Carroll’s story – he is serving a life sentence in prison for Sharon Johnson’s murder in 1988. At the time, Johnson was pregnant. Carroll confessed to the crime and was convicted in 1992 for second-degree murder and conspiracy. The only evidence linking Carroll to the crime was his taped confession. Carroll has been incarcerated for over 30 years and still claims he is innocent. This podcast explores the truth in addition to “who gets to tell it.”
This podcast’s season examines Carroll’s case, now that he is looking to have the remainder of his sentence suspended and to be reintegrated into society. In 2022, the judge denied his request.
After Johnson was killed, authorities arrested her husband, Ken Johnson, and his associate, Tony Pfaff. It was believed Ken paid Carroll and Pfaff to murder his wife. Both Carroll and Pfaff claim that their confessions were coerced, and Carroll falsely confessed. Ken Johnson’s charges were dropped, and Pfaff was acquitted.
On the podcast, we’ll hear from Sharon’s friends and family including her daughter, Melonie Sue Eaton, who was fourteen when her mom was murdered, and she still believes Carroll is guilty. The New England Innocence Project worked with Carroll, and we’ll hear excerpts from court, interviews with his attorney, audio from Carroll’s interrogation by authorities, and more. One of the police officers who interrogated Carroll was his mom, Karen. We’ll also hear from her on the podcast.
“Bear Brook’s” first season reopened a cold case and tracked down a serial killer. In 1985, a barrel was discovered in an Allenstown, New Hampshire park. Later, a hunter peeked inside the 55-gallon drum and found the first 2 bodies. 30 years later, police were unable to name the victims or identify any suspects. In 2000, two more bodies were found inside another barrel.
From science and new forensic technology, the victims were identified, and it was determined that Terry Rasmussen was the killer. National law enforcement used forensics in efforts to potentially connect Rasmussen to more killings in America.
Tune in for new “Bear Brook” episodes all season long wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.
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