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Chris Freeman Missing Person Case

Last seen in Hastings, Minnesota on May 8, 1977

Victim Details

Nov 18, 2011

Jan 9, 2024

Chris

Freeman

69

20

72 inches

170 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

May 8, 1977

Hastings

Minnesota

Dakota County

No

31092

Hastings Police Department

Hastings

Minnesota

Dakota County

55033

150 3rd Street East, Minnesota

6514802300

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-departments/police

2004006169

Hastings Police Department

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

Oct 7, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP12980) and 7 other sources
Chris Freeman, a 20-year-old from Hastings, Minnesota, was last seen on May 8, 1977. On that day, he called his mother to wish her a Happy Mother's Day, explaining that he wouldn't be attending a family celebration. That phone call marked the last contact anyone had with him. Freeman had been living somewhat independently and had recently partnered with a friend, Geno Ranelli, to open a shop in East St. Paul selling redwood products. The business, however, closed earlier that year.

Freeman and Ranelli were reportedly planning a trip to Philadelphia or Miami in mid-May, but neither man has been seen or heard from since. Their sudden disappearance remains a mystery, and authorities suspect the two cases are linked. Freeman left behind personal belongings, including his car and some collectible items, which added to the intrigue surrounding his disappearance.

Despite rumors and unconfirmed sightings in places like Phoenix and Minneapolis, no concrete leads have surfaced, and his case remains unsolved. Investigators are still actively seeking information on his whereabouts. Freeman's DNA is available for comparison in case new evidence emerges.
Last Seen: May 8, 1977

Links to Additional Sources (7)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • 754DMMN - Chris Harold Freeman - Doe Network
  • Christopher Harold Freeman - The Charley Project
  • The 1977 disappearances of Chris Freeman and Geno Ranelli
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP12980
  • MN - Christopher Freeman, 20, Hastings, 8 May 1977 | Websleuths
  • Disappearance of Christopher Freeman and Geno Ranelli - YouTube
  • Geno Ranelli and Christopher Freeman - crimesquid - WordPress.com

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    78%Possible
    John Doe — Minneapolis, Minnesota
    UP124186 • Found Sep 25, 1995
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 20 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 96%26 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 18 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
    Weight 100%156 lb vs 170 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Minneapolis, Minnesota - unidentified case UP763
    John Doe — Minneapolis, Minnesota
    UP763 • Found Dec 16, 2003
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 20 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 96%26 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 27 years after last seen
    Height 52%5'8" vs 6'0"
    Weight 74%131 lb vs 170 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
    Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
    75%Possible
    John Doe — St. Paul, Minnesota
    UP4806 • Found Jun 4, 1978
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 54%Est. 25–30 vs 20 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 98%19 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 13 months after last seen
    Height 84%6'2" vs 6'0"
    Weight 96%190 lb vs 170 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Does anyone here have information about Geno Ranelli's background or what might have been going on... ...Read More
    11/29/2024
    Has anyone else looked into the redwood shop that Chris Freeman and Geno Ranelli had set up before... ...Read More
    03/17/2023

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