WOODBURY — The resolution of a case in which an 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling was abducted, assaulted and killed in Minnesota nearly 27 years ago is pushing a Woodbury couple to try to find their son, who went missing six months later.

Unlike Wetterling, Christopher Kerze is believed to have run away from his family’s former home in Eagan in 1990. But the only piece of evidence authorities have found is his abandoned van.

“As a parent, I don’t think I could have lived through hearing those details about Jacob,” said Christopher’s father Jim Kerze. “But the news reminded us that there is hope.”

The resolution of Wetterling’s case pushed law enforcement to recently re-canvass the area near Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where the van was found. Christopher Kerze left a note inside the car explaining who the owner of the vehicle was.

Officers also notified area business owners and hunters to be vigilant for any clues.

“Good or bad, we would be indifferent to the resolution,” Jim Kerze said. “Whether we find out what happened to him, learn that he needs help or have a chance to reconnect with him.”

The Kerzes also asked police to create and send out a poster with Christopher’s age-progressed photos. Today, he’d be 43 years old.

“If we get a hundred tips and only one moves the case forward, this will all be worth it,” said Eagan police officer Aaron Machtemes. “We just haven’t had any significant breaks over the years.”

On the day of his disappearance Christopher Kerze withdrew $200 from a bank account.