OPELIKA, Ala. – The Opelika Police Department is asking for the public’s help following new
developments in a 1990 homicide case involving an unidentified victim.

On May 5, 2026, Opelika Police, working with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
(ADFS), exhumed the remains of an unidentified Black male from Evergreen Cemetery. The remains
were transported to the ADFS Montgomery Medical Laboratory for a new forensic examination.
On May 8, 2026, the ADFS Chief Medical Examiner, along with forensic anthropologists, conducted
a detailed review. This re-examination has led to significant changes in the victim’s estimated age and
height.

Originally, investigators believed the victim was between 18 and 25 years old and approximately 5
feet 8 inches tall. New findings indicate the victim was likely a juvenile.

Updated victim profile:
• Age: 15 to 18 years old
• Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches
• Weight: 135 to 145 pounds (estimated)
• Cause of death: Homicide by a single gunshot wound

At the time his body was discovered in September 1990 in a creek bed off Anderson Road, the victim
was wearing:
• A white St. Louis Cardinals pinstripe jersey
• Jordache blue jeans
• Black Ellesse shoes
During the recent examination, investigators collected a bone sample for advanced DNA testing.
Detectives are now re-examining missing persons cases from 1990 and earlier that may have
previously been ruled out due to incorrect age and height estimates.
CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information about a missing Black male between the ages of 15 and 18 from around
1990 is encouraged to contact the following:
• Opelika Police Department Detective Division: 334-705-5220
• Secret Witness Hotline: 334-745-8665
• CrimeStoppers: 334-215-STOP (7867)

If you have any information regarding any crime, please immediately call the Police or
CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP (833-
251-7867).Text 215stop to 738477 to receive a link to our anonymous tip form.
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