Local author shines light on Monroe’s only unsolved murder case

A local author is hoping that his upcoming book will help crack Monroe's only unsolved murder case from nearly 50 years ago.

Monroe native Erik Hanson says he learned about the murder of 8-year-old Renee Freer earlier this year.

Police say they have identified a male suspect who they believe knew Freer and may have lived in her neighborhood.

"We believe a juvenile known to Renee committed this crime," says Monroe Police Chief Keith White. "We are appealing to the suspect or his family to come forward at this time with even the smallest pieces of information. We are confident they know more than has been disclosed over the past several years."

On June 22, 1977, the girl’s mother left her in the care of her grandparents to travel to a store. Her body was discovered hours later in the woods not far from her home.

Police say she was hit repeatedly with a rock that was found near her body.

Hanson says he expects his book to come out next year. He has also started a Facebook group called “Who Killed Renee Freer."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe Police Detective Division at 203-452-2831.