Chris Freeman was 20 when he was last seen on May 8, 1977, in Hastings, Minnesota. He called his mother that day to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day and said he would not attend a family celebration; that call was the last confirmed contact. Freeman had been living somewhat independently and had recently gone into business with friend Geno Ranelli, selling redwood products in East St. Paul. The shop had closed earlier in 1977.

Both 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. Freeman left his car and some collectible items behind. Rumors and unconfirmed sightings have surfaced over the years, including reports placing him in Phoenix and Minneapolis, but no concrete leads have emerged. Investigators say Freeman’s DNA is available for comparison if new evidence appears.

Did anyone in the Hastings or East St. Paul area remember Freeman, Ranelli, their shop, or preparations for a mid-May trip in 1977?