SAINT PAUL – (May 1, 2008) – Spotlight on Crime today announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the abduction and murder of Rachel Ann Anthony. Killed in 2001, Anthony was from Pine River, near Brainerd.

“Investigators believe any individuals responsible for this crime may still live in the area,” said Dave Bjerga, assistant superintendent for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). “New technology is allowing us to re-examine the evidence collected in 2001, and we’re hopeful witnesses will come forward and help us bring Rachel’s killers to justice.

About the case:

Rachel Anthony, 50, disappeared around 10 p.m. Feb. 27, 2001, at the end of her shift at Ultimate Liquors in Pine River. The weather was very cold that day, and Anthony had started her car to warm it up before her drive home. A police officer discovered the car still idling about 1 a.m. Upon checking the liquor store, he found the back door unlocked with Anthony's purse and coat still inside, but no signs of Anthony. Her body was found six weeks later in a ravine near Breezy Point, about 15 miles away.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Cass County Sheriff's Department at 218-547-1424 or toll-free at 800-450-2677, or the Minnesota Bureau of Apprehension Cold Case unit at 651-793-7000 or 888-234-3692..

Investigators from the Cass and Crow Wing County Sheriff’s offices, the Pine River and Breezy Point police, and the BCA, have worked on this case.

Spotlight on Crime is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization fund established by Minnesota businesses in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and state and local law enforcement officials to re-energize cases where investigations have grown cold.

“The many businesses that created the Spotlight on Crime believe in providing the extra resources necessary to continue giving cold cases the attention they deserve,” said Target Vice President of Government Affairs Nate Garvis. “We support Minnesota law enforcement in their efforts to close these difficult cold cases and bring justice to these victims and their families.”

Spotlight on Crime only focuses on crimes that remain unsolved after investigative efforts have been exhausted. Only violent crimes against innocent victims are considered.

In early 2006, Spotlight on Crime paid out its first reward by dividing $50,000 among three people who helped locate the body of Erika Dalquist. The program also helped convict the murderers of Jeffrey Hammill, with the most recent verdict in August 2007. A suspect in the Carrie Nelson murder is set to go to trial in 2008.

Since June 2001, more than $1 million has been offered in 22 Minnesota cases. Additional information is available at www.spotlightoncrime.org.

• Rachel Anthony (Pine River)

• Cynthia Haisley (Rochester)

• Barbara Paciotti (Hibbing)

• Frank Kastelic (St. Paul)

• James Sackett (St. Paul) - CASE SOLVED

• Jeffrey Hammill (Wright County) - CASE SOLVED

• Helen Mary Dahl (Minneapolis)

• Kevin Brewer (Minneapolis)

• Scriver Olson (Willmar)

• Carrie Nelson (Luverne) - CHARGES FILED

• Nancy Daugherty (Chisholm)

• Wesley Morrison (St. Paul)

• Julie Holmquist (Hallock) - CASE SOLVED

• Susan Swedell (Lake Elmo)

• Laurie Ann Feiner (Oakdale)

• Baby Marshall (Marshall) - CASE SOLVED

• Anita Carlson (Bemidji)

• Sheri Theilen (Minneapolis)

• Cindy Joy Elias (Virginia)

• Mary and Susan Reker (St. Cloud)

• Erika Dalquist (Brainerd) - CASE SOLVED

• Ada Senenfelder (Winona)

The Spotlight on Crime Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization administered by the Minneapolis Foundation. Donations to the fund, which may come from any individual, corporation, foundation or other source, are tax deductible. Donations to the Spotlight on Crime fund are welcome.

To make a donation, contact the Minneapolis Foundation at (612) 672-3878.

For more information on Spotlight on Crime, contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at (651) 793-7000 or visit www.spotlightoncrime.org.

Archived News

Two $50,000 Rewards Offered in Minnesota Cold Cases (January 19, 2006)

$50,000 Reward to be Paid in Erika Dalquist Murder (January 17, 2006)

$100,000 Reward Offered in 1970 Murder Case of St. Paul Cop Officer James Sackett Shot by Sniper while on Duty (June 10, 2004)

$25,000 Reward Offered for the Capture of Dalquist Murder Suspect Billy Myears (June 4, 2003)

$100,000 Offered in Two Unsolved Minnesota Murder Cases (September 19, 2003)

Spotlight on Crime is a fund that provides cash rewards for information that helps solve violent crimes. It is a collaboration between members of the Minnesota Business Partnership and public safety officials.