Family and private detective work to keep Gilbert's murder case from being closed

GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) – More than two years after the murder of her 19-year-old daughter, a Gilbert mother is taking new steps in her search for answers.

There are no suspects and no arrests. The family is now working with a private investigator to prevent the case from going underground.

“We are literally no closer to the answers in two years than we were at the beginning,” said Kim Hansen.

On June 4, 2022, two days before Rachel Hansen moved back into the apartment she had sublet, according to Gilbert police, she called 911 to report that an “unknown person” had shot her while she was sleeping. Rachel was taken to the hospital but later died.

“I think anything is possible, and I think everything should be examined and investigated, and maybe dig a little deeper than has ever been done,” Hansen said.

In a statement, the case remains a top priority for Gilbert police.

However, Rachel's mother wants answers and is now working with private investigator Justin Yentes. “Right now, I want to gather as much information as I can and see what happens with the clues we can use,” Yentes said.

Silent Witness is offering up to $7,000 for information on the case.

“The more communication we have in different areas of the community, the more likely it is that something will come up that was not previously known or that someone thought was not important or not relevant, but maybe it was,” Hansen said.

Yentes and Hansen say they want the community to get involved in generating new information or clues.

“I hope that people who have not yet been interviewed and who have not yet spoken to the police will come forward if they know of any problems Rachel has had, whether it be with her employer, other people, ex-boyfriends or other friends,” Yentes said. “She had a lot of contacts that we just don't have all the information about.”

The family's GoFundMe account was originally intended to pay for a private investigator, but Yentes took on the case for free.

Instead, the money raised will be used to finance the forensic examinations required for the investigation.

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