MONROE, CT — A small New England town was stunned by tragedy when eight-year-old Renee Freer was found bludgeoned to death in a wooded area about 300 feet from her home on Williams Drive in the summer of 1977.
Monroe police detectives worked around the clock and efforts by law enforcement continues nearly 47 years later. Erik C. Hanson, a local author who grew up in town, stumbled upon the unsolved murder case and wrote a book, “Dead End Road,” in hopes of helping law enforcement and bringing closure to Freer’s family.
News of Hanson’s efforts drew public interest to the Facebook group, Who Killed Renee Freer?, and posters were distributed in town, urging anyone with information to call the Monroe Police Detective Division at 203-452-2831.
Hanson’s 154-page book will be released this Friday, but it is now available for preorders from the publisher, Anuci Press. To buy a copy — $9.99 for paperback and $2.99 for an ebook, click on this link.
“I learned that there are camps that want Renee’s family to get justice and there are some that don’t,” Hanson told The Sun. “The most important thing people from that time period can do is call or email the police with their observations about teenagers in the neighborhood.”
Last April, Police Chief Keith White released a public statement urging the killer or his family to come forward with more information. He said police believe the killer was a juvenile at the time, known to Renee.
“The guilty party probably wouldn’t do time,” Hanson said. “This case isn’t likely to end up in court, either. So, if you care about what happened to Renee, do the right thing and speak your truth. Everyone loses if you remain silent.”
Hanson gave special thanks to his friend, Rick Canfield, for his assistance in researching the book and for taking over the Facebook group devoted to Freer.
“I would thank someone else for research, but she wants to keep her name out of it for obvious reasons,” Hanson said.
Author events
Hanson will promote “Dead End Road” at several events in early January:
- Jan. 4: Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main Street South, Woodbury, 12 p.m.
- Jan. 5: Weirdo Wonderland (book launch and signing), 415 Howe Ave., Shelton, 1-5 p.m.
- Jan. 6: Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 733 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
