New Details Emerge in Unsolved Murder of Pine River Woman

ST. PAUL (KDLM) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office have released new details as part of their ongoing investigation of the 2001 murder of Rachel Anthony in Pine River, MN.

Investigators are hopeful someone will come forward with information that can help solve the crime.

Anthony was finishing her shift at Ultimate Liquors in Pine River in Northern Minnesota just before 10 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2001. The store was scheduled to close at 10 p.m. and she had already started her car so that it could warm up. A police officer discovered Rachel’s car still idling in the parking lot around 1 a.m. The back door to the store was unlocked and Rachel’s purse and coat were still inside the store, but Rachel was missing.

Her body was found six weeks later about 15 miles away near Breezy Point. Investigators have determined that the last transaction of the night was a purchase at 9:57 p.m. – someone purchased a bottle of Mickey’s Malt Liquor and Kool cigarettes. Investigators have not been able to identify the individual who made that purchase. This individual is considered a person of interest in Rachel’s murder.

Investigators are asking anyone with information that could help them identify the person to come forward. Information can be provided to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 218-547-1424 or 800-450-2677, or the BCA at 651-793-7000 or 877-996-6222. Your tip can be anonymous.

The organization Spotlight on Crime continues to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of Rachel Anthony.