Buffy Jo Freeman, 29, was last seen near Shaffer Street and Main Street in Springfield, Ohio, at about 11:30 p.m. on July 11, 2007. Her body was found hours later, at about 3:26 a.m. on July 12, in Snyder Park near the tennis courts. She had suffered multiple blunt force traumas to her head and body, and the case is classified as an unsolved homicide.

Family members say Freeman struggled with drug use and associated with people who may have put her in danger. Prentiss Hare, a man already convicted of two other murders, has been identified as a person of interest in Freeman’s death and in other unsolved homicides in the Springfield area; family members say Freeman knew Hare and may have spent time with him in drug-related activity. Her aunt and sister have publicly urged anyone with information to come forward as authorities continue to investigate whether Hare’s presence in Springfield at the time is linked to this and other killings.

Anyone who knew Buffy, her movements on July 11–12, or who has information about Hare in Springfield during that period is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department.