25-Year-Old Cold Case Remains Unsolved in Cass County

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Investigators in Cass County, Minnesota are marking the 25th anniversary of Rachel Anthony's disappearance and murder, which remains an unsolved cold case. Anthony was closing her liquor store in Pine River on February 27, 2001 when she vanished, with her car found running and her belongings still inside. Her body was discovered six weeks later near Breezy Point, but the buyer of the last transaction at her store that night has never been identified and remains a person of interest.

Why it matters

This high-profile cold case has haunted the local community for a quarter-century, with no resolution or closure for Anthony's family. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in solving older crimes without new leads or witnesses coming forward, and the importance of offering substantial rewards to incentivize people with information to come forward.

The details

On the night of February 27, 2001, 25-year-old Rachel Anthony was closing up her liquor store, Ultimate Liquors, in Pine River, Minnesota around 10 p.m. Her car was found running about three hours later with her purse and coat still inside, and the back door unlocked. Anthony's body was discovered six weeks later near Breezy Point, but the buyer of the last transaction at her store that night - a purchase of Mickey's Malt Liquor and Kool cigarettes at 9:57 p.m. - has never been identified and remains a person of interest in the case.

• Rachel Anthony disappeared on February 27, 2001.
• Her body was found six weeks later near Breezy Point.
• February 27, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Anthony's disappearance.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Cass County Sheriff's Office is offering a $50,000 reward for information that helps solve the disappearance and murder of Rachel Anthony.