OPELIKA, Ala. (WDNews) — The Opelika Police Department is asking for the public’s help after reopening a 1990 homicide cold case involving an unidentified victim.
According to Opelika Police, investigators recently exhumed the remains of an unidentified Black male from Evergreen Cemetery on May 5, 2026, with assistance from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. The remains were taken to the ADFS Montgomery Medical Laboratory for a new forensic examination.
Authorities said a re-examination conducted on May 8 by the ADFS Chief Medical Examiner and forensic anthropologists led to major 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. Updated findings now indicate the victim was likely a juvenile.
According to investigators, the updated victim profile includes:
Age: 15 to 18 years old
Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches
Weight: Estimated 135 to 145 pounds
Cause of death: Homicide by a single gunshot wound
Police said the victim’s body was discovered in September 1990 in a creek bed off Anderson Road in Opelika.
At the time, the victim was reportedly 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 reviewing missing persons cases from 1990 and earlier that may have previously been ruled out because of incorrect age and height estimates.
CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Anyone with information about a missing Black male between the ages of 15 and 18 from around 1990 is encouraged to contact:
Opelika Police Detective Division at 334-705-5220
Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665
CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867)
Image Source – Opelika Police Department
