Reward Boosted to $20,000 in Unsolved Rachel Hansen Murder Case in Gilbert
Feb. 24, 2026 — Gilbert, Ariz. Rachel Hansen, a 19-year-old horse trainer, was shot and killed in her apartment near San Tan Village Parkway and Ray Road on June 4, 2022, one day after she woke to find an intruder standing over her bed and weeks after reporting threats from her fiancé Joemet Bailey’s father. The case remains unsolved more than three and a half years later despite an ongoing investigation, with Gilbert police recently increasing the reward to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Hansen called 911 herself around 2 a.m., reporting that someone had broken in and shot her. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries. No struggle occurred, and nothing was taken from the apartment located across from SanTan Mall in a gated complex. The previous day, on June 3, 2022, she had reported waking to a dark figure staring at her from beside her bed, according to coverage from Crime Junkie.
Prior Threats and Fiancé’s Role
In April 2022, Hansen reported threats to Gilbert police from Bailey’s father, as revealed in new court documents released in October 2024. Gilbert Police Assistant Chief Jim Bisceglie stated that detectives have “tirelessly investigated every lead” but could not disclose details due to redactions protecting the case.
“I could tell you the case is not inactive. The case is an active case,” Bisceglie said. “I’m pleading with people out there that know what happened, to do the right thing and come forward.”
Hansen’s fiancé had spent the day with her on June 4 before leaving that evening, prior to the shooting, her mother Kim Hansen told ABC15 Arizona. Bailey later stayed with the family for months, according to local reporting. Police confirmed Bailey was investigated but provided no further details.
Investigation Status and Reward
The case is classified as a priority for Gilbert Police, though listed as “inactive – suspended” in records due to lack of leads as of early 2024. New tips continue to be pursued, including through Silent Witness. In January 2026, the reward was raised to $20,000 after the family contributed an additional $5,000 from donations, as detailed in a recent 12News report.
Hansen’s parents, Todd and Kim, remain hopeful. “Somebody knows something,” Todd Hansen said. Kim added, “We truly believe that somebody, somewhere, knows something… This was not a random act of violence.”
Family Background
Hansen, who ran AzHansenHorses and rescued abused animals, was engaged to Bailey, as noted in her obituary. Survived by her large adoptive family, she is remembered for her love of horses and free spirit. Recent social media posts, including from Crime Junkie, continue to seek tips.
