Velma Shuford and Sonja Jivan are two of 28 Dallas County residents who hope either the Dallas County Sheriffs Office or the Selma Police Department will find out who murdered their sons. Kay Ivey is assisting the Dallas County District Attorney Office solve a pair of unsolved murders in Selma. In 2019, there were 43 Montgomery County murders alone. The temperatures had been in the low 30s. The Murder Of The Rev. James Reeb - NPR Visual Narrative: The Murder Of James Reeb And Its Aftermath. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash after shooting Griffin. Neither have heard any updates from the SPD. True crime. Mary E. Rearden, 75, was found strangled and stabbed to death in her Second Avenue home in Opelika on Sept. 4, 2000. Charles Simpson: Simpson was found shot to death on the sidewalk near the intersection of 38 Mechanic Street and Alabama Avenue on June 11, 2015. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the federal-based Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)provide assistance when needed. A current ALEA official assigned to the SBI Division, who chose not to be identified for this story, said the state investigative body is always available to assist murder investigations in Dallas County. All rights reserved. Danny Jackson: Jacksons body was found shot in the right leg and lying in the 1200 block of Washington Street on Dec. 3, 2010. Throughout the county and city, similar stories of prolonged grief are being played out; 28 unsolved homicides since 2009. A cash reward is offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. He was pronounced dead at 10:12 p.m. at the age of 42, according to the HuffPost. Copyright 2021 WSFA 12 News. Lackey then stabbed Newman more than 70 times. Newman's grandson had told Lackey his grandfather had a vault inside his home that held a lot of cash. It is truly a touchy subject for some and a frustrating, painful subject for others. Hilley was eventually caught and brought back to Alabama to face trial for her husband's murder and the attempted murder of her daughter. Bridget N. Woods: Woods was asleep in her home at Marie Foster Street and killed when multiple shooters opened fire outside the home and sent rounds into the house on Feb. 17, 2012. Proctor, 39, was last seen around on Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Rainbow City, Alabama. While there, Ray began making sexual advances toward Tiffany. In 2016, there were around 30 murders in Montgomery, Alabama, alone. Although he publicly denied his involvement in the bombing, relatives and friends testified that he continuously "bragged" about being part of the crime. Dallas C0unty District Attorney Michael Jackson announced that Ivey offered two $5,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction in the two murders. AG Marshall is asking for the public's help with these unsolved cases. Two people, Tony Lewis and Leila Baldwin were found dead inside their homes after a house fire on February 17th. Lackey confronted Newman and as Newman called 911, Lackey began firing shots. Crime in Alabama and specialty publications produced by Alabama's SAC is provided below. We like these cases to be solved and bring closure to families, Jackson said. Just one month prior, on February 18, 1965, state troopers beat protestors and fatally shot 26-year-old Jackson, an African American demonstrator who was protecting his mother from being beaten by police. Uncovered: Unsolved Alabama Murders While many Americans were outraged by Reebs murder and the acquittal of his murderers, with President Lyndon B. Johnson invoking Reebs memory when he delivered a draft of the Voting Rights Act to Congress just one month later, white supremacists in Alabama went on the defense. Brenda Craig: Craig was shot in the foot and hip in the 700 block of Circle Drive Dec. 28, 2010. On December 4, 1888, May's body was found in East Lake. The Mysterious Case of Orion Williamson: A Selma Farmer Who - Medium The case file on Brown remains what it is; thick, unsolved and no justice at least for now. Love Alabama? Shuford lost one of her sons, Jermaine Sanders, in a fatal shooting on Thanksgiving night at the 1800 block of Church Street. Dominique Ray [Photo credit: Alabama Department of Corrections], Dominique Ray: Case of the man who murdered a 15-year-old girl, Tiffany Harville, then discarded her body in a field. She has yet to be identified. According to Project: Cold Case, from 1980 to 2019 there were 20,003 homicides in Alabama alone, leaving 7,893 unsolved murders in Alabama. When asked how he was shot, he refused to answer. Throughout the county and city, similar stories of prolonged grief are being played out; 28 unsolved homicides since 2009. Richard Hawes was the only suspect and as he was taken to jail, he continued to claim his innocence. Elmer Cook, William Stanley Hoggle, Namon ONeal Hoggle, and R.B. Unsolved Alabama Murders According to Project: Cold Case, from 1980 to 2019 there were 20,003 homicides in Alabama alone, leaving 7,893 unsolved murders in Alabama. It was that horrific crime that eventually inspired one of the scariest movies in recent history, Jeepers Creepers. Jasper Smith: Smith was shot in the neck on Sept. 9, 2018 in the 1400 block of Saint Ann Street and pronounced dead at the scene. Nearly 340,000 cases of homicide and non-negligent manslaughter went unsolved from 1965 to 2021, according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report data studied by The Murder Accountability Project. He was shot several times and pronounced dead at the scene. Robert Sanderson, a Birmingham police officer who worked off-duty at the clinic as a security guard, and nurse Emily Lyons, approached the package. James Reeb, Rev. The cases involve the 2015 murder of Taffine Smith Berry [] It has since gone cold, Clifton said. Afterward, Ray slit Tiffanys throat and repeatedly stabbed her before removing her clothing and taking $6 from her purse. According to those reports, 26 of the 28 unsolved murders happened in Selma. into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. Shekrian Wilkerson, 32, of Montgomery, was fatally shot in the area of Davenport Drive and West South Boulevard. Jan. 21, 2015, Kirby Brown, all of 22 years old, was found lying on his back shot to death near his home in the Pine Glen Estates off Highway 80 near Selma. Owden told police that Ray had several conversations with him about wanting to have sexual intercourse with the teen. Following a month-long search, Tiffany was found dead on Aug. 16, 1995. Only the testimony of James White. The case file on Brown remains what it is; thick, unsolved and no justice at least for now. Tarrance Callen: Callens body was discovered in the backyard of an abandoned house on Lapsley Street on April 13. Vanished: The South's most bizarre disappearances - al.com While surveillance cameras captured the crime on video, no arrests were made in the case. He then drove to a cotton field outside of town, discarded her remains, and fled the area. Fear and not wanting to get involved are perhaps the primary reasons why the murders remain a mystery. In 1999, Ray was convicted of murdering Tiffany, and he was subsequently sentenced to death. Unsolved murders can help breed vigilante justice.. All rights reserved (About Us). She enjoys discovering new places and currently calls North Alabama home. The Alabama Supreme Court ordered Rays execution to be carried out on Feb. 7, 2019, at the Holman Correctional Facility. Troopers on foot and on horseback beat the marchers that were not fighting back. Mobile police looking for information on seven unsolved homicides in Mystery Spot White civil rights workers weren't allowed in white-owned restaurants in Selma. She succumbed to her injuries at Vaughn Regional Medical Center. James Reeb. Copyright 2019 WSFA 12 News. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). By clicking Submit, you acknowledge you have read and agree to our. Derrick Nichols: A body found Nov. 30, 2016 in the woods on River Road by a landowner was identified as 17-year-old Derrick Nichols. The case is technically classified as unsolved.. This report shows that there were around 43 homicides in 2019 alone in Montgomery County, Alabama. The Hawes murders occurred in December 1888 and resulted in lots of media attention for Birmingham. Kentonio Jakevian Keonta Perkins was Huntsville's 15th homicide of 2021. Pope, 20, is accused of shooting to death Anthony Howard on May 24 in the 1200 block of Tremonte Street. The Opelika Police Department expects to receive a facial reconstruction of the girl soon. Ray asked if his imam, Yusef Maisonet, could stand next to him during the procedure, but he was told: Only prison employees were allowed in the chamber for security reasons, the, He was pronounced dead at 10:12 p.m. at the age of 42, according to the. Its very hard for me, Jivan said. Police have confirmed Mr. Lewis was found with multiple gunshot wounds, and they've. The number of crimes that have occurred over the last decade in Dallas County is about average.. She was found inside a vehicle dead of multiple gunshot wounds. He has a similar idea and plans to discuss it with both Selma Mayor Darrio Melton and the City Council. Lyons survived, but lost her eyesight and received chronic injuries. Once he fell, they began beating and kicking him, also attacking reverends Olsen and Miller. Hundreds of murders remain unsolved across Jefferson County, Nearly 2 dozen homicides committed in Huntsville area since 2010 remain unsolved, 11 of Mobile's most notorious murder mysteries. No one has been charged. More than 50 years later, we return to the city where the attack happened and set out to find the definitive story of who killed Reeb. Of the 183 homicides this year in Alabama's largest county, 74 remain unsolved. "Law enforcement and the families are very thankful for the governor taking this action,' Jackson said. Alabama Governor assisting city of Selma with two unsolved murders When Lewis asked to have a word with the Major, Cloud declined, instead sending state troopers marching towards the civilians. He said the DCSO is assisted by a federal system called National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Sort All Cases By: Company Area | Male | Female | County | Year | Last Name Results: 13 Record (s) Found. On February 28, 1890, Hawes was executed. They were marching for voting rights for Black Americans in Dallas County, planning to take their cause directly to the Alabama Governor on a 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery. Everything we collect in the case is filed. Hells Gate Bridge is located in Oxford, Alabama, and acquired its name from the legend involving a young couple who drove off the bridge into the water below. She has worked as a freelance writer for over a decade, covering true crime and breaking crime news for several online news and entertainment sites: the Inquisitr, Monsters and Critics, and Daily Crime. Nearly 20 years after the murders of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, law enforcement was able to link Coley McCraney to their murders using DNA evidence collected at the crime scene. For a visual narrative of NPR's investigation into the murder of James Reeb and its aftermath, visit npr.org/whitelies. In response, Governor George Wallace sent state troopers to block them at the base of the bridge. SPD Evidence Technician Clarissa Cole said while families may not be hearing regular updates on their cases, its not from lack of effort by authorities seeking to bring the person or persons to justice for what they did. On March 12, 1978, Chad Burgett returned home to Phoenix after a weekend away with his mother to find his sister, Pauline Robbin, murdered with multiple stab wounds. What people fail to realize is that a homicide case is never closed, Cole said. As of April 1, there were around 19 reported murders in Alabama in 2021. Yeah, that was this. Amy Bishop, a biology professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, shot and killed three faculty members and wounded three others on February 12, 2010. For two mothers who lost their sons to violent shootings last year, their deaths have caused frustration, grief and an inability to find closure about what happened to their children. There was no physical evidence that connected either sister to the crime. The remains were sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for identification. Owden also raped her as she screamed, God, help me.. "It was definitely a homicide.". Aquavis Lee and Thomas Shelton: Shelton and Lee were shot and killed at the intersection of Marie Foster Street and Selma Avenue on March 3, 2016. Texas Rangers Unsolved Homicide Website Texas Rangers Top 12 Cold Case Investigations Generally, cases are solved when the offender has been arrested and turned over to the court for prosecution. These categories include assault, murder, rape, and robbery. Reeb was beaten the worst, eventually slipping into a coma and dying two days later. Listed below are 7 well-known homicides that occurred in Alabama and will never be forgotten. Katrina Moore and Coleman Moore: Their house was intentionally set on fire Dec. 8, 2016 on the 800 block of Pettus Street. An autopsy revealed that Tiffany sustained a dozen defects in the skull consistent with stab wounds caused by a knife,. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! During a faculty meeting, Bishop stood up and began shooting those closest to her with a 9mm handgun - execution style. Dominique Ray was put to death for the murder of a 15-year-old girl, Tiffany Harville, whose body was found in a cotton field in Dallas County, Alabama. They worked to gaslight the public about Reebs murder, saying the minister had thrown a beer bottle at the men before starting the brawl that left him fatally injured. Of those, 59 remain open. AL reported that Coleman contacted the Selma Police Department and reported Tiffany missing, which prompted a city-wide search. Randy Miles: Miles body was found lying in the 1400 block of Eugene Street on Nov. 16, 2010 after suffering a gunshot to the chest. We tracked down the lady Brown was dating at the time and she declined to be part of this story. Investigators say Proctor's family has not heard from her in six days and advised it is unusual for her not to be in contact with them. These Alabama unsolved murders and kidnappings date back to the 1970s, leaving their families little hope for current media attention. Dallas C0unty District Attorney Michael Jackson announced that Ivey offered two $5,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction in the two murders. On September 11, 2012, Bishop pleaded guilty to one count of capital murder and three counts of attempted murder in order to avoid the death penalty. Copyright 2019 WSFA 12 News. He was the nephew of Ruthie Mae Jackson, who was murdered years later. Owden, who was incarcerated at the time, approached an officer and stated that Ray had killed Tiffany after they raped her. The SPD will bring in new people. As Lackey tried driving himself to the hospital, he had to make a stop. She was shot by a drive-by shooter. Missing Persons - Central Alabama Crime Stoppers The video shows two suspects confront Griffin while he was locking the gate to the business preparing to leave. His killers, however, were never identified. We try not to notify families and give them false hope. All rights reserved. In May 2002, Bobby Frank Cherry was convicted of four counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, which killed four African-American girls. Fulford said with Popes arrest, the police department has now made seven arrests in the citys 10 homicides of 2021. While some might assume the creepiest place is the site of a famous murder in Alabama, its actually much different. Court documents showed that Ray shot and killed the brothers in February 1994 when they were reluctant to join his gang. Its never been easier or more important. Marshall said anyone with a cold case tip is encouraged to contact the Alabama Attorney General's Office Cold Case Tip . Major John Cloud warned them that they had unlawfully assembled and were to disperse immediately. Frederick Harris: Harris was gunned down in the 300 block of Broad Street on Dec. 27, 2014. Ragsdale was a retired librarian at the University of Alabama. Hopefully, with some of the DNA results that we do get, we will find out who the parents are.. Unsolved murders of Alabama - al.com Wed love to hear from you in the comments section! Officers went to Saco Service Station that morning to conduct a welfare check on Salmon. No details surfaced from the shooting. TopFoto/The Image Works Its not quite as prevalent in the county with two unsolved cases on the books. Zeferli Zakia Bibbs Maisonet reportedly witnessed the execution from a witness room. 7 Of The Most Famous Murders In Alabama - OnlyInYourState Selma mayor, police discuss recent violence, 10 homicides, Pedestrian killed after being hit by vehicle on I-65, Montgomery attorney pleads guilty to financial exploitation of the elderly, Arrest made in 2020 Butler County murder case, Possible environmental situation causing illnesses at Autauga County school, Trenholm State, Baptist Health announce partnership for nursing program. Crime in Alabama is an annual statistical report produced by the SAC housed at ACJIC. Engineer Richard Hawes, his wife, and two children were brutally murdered in an event that baffled people for years. Sheriff Granthum is convinced science will end up playing a huge role in solving the remaining cases. The case file on Brown remains what it. There Are Numerous Historic Buildings In This Alabama City, Few People Realize How Much Railroad History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Tuscumbia, Alabama, Underneath Foley, Alabama Lies A Creepy Yet Amazing Tunnel, 9 Historic Photos That Show Us What It Was Like Living In Alabama In The Early 1900s, Few People Know The History Behind Waldo Covered Bridge, The Second Oldest In Alabama, Family-Owned Since The Early 1900s, Step Back In Time At Chris Famous Hotdogs In Alabama, The Story Behind The Murders That Happened At This Alabama Lake Is Truly Chilling, The One College In Alabama Where Youll Most Likely Have A Ghostly Encounter, Aunt Jenny Johnston Bankhead National Forest. In 2019, there were 39 murders in Montgomery County, Alabama. All rights reserved. Auburn police detectives believe the motive in the slaying was robbery. The Hawes trial began on April 22, 1889 at Jefferson County Courthouse. 28 unsolved murders in 10 years in Selma and Dallas County, AL, Abbeville Christian celebrates their teachers, Judge freezes bank accounts of Dothan private investigator, HCSO seeks publics help in strong armed robbery case. It's unclear what happened to the younger brother, Willie Hawes. The sheriff admitted 10 years is a mighty long time for any family to suffer without any sort of resolution, but he insists its not a lack of trying on the investigators part. 28 unsolved murders in 10 years in Selma and Dallas County, AL - WTVY 7 Infamous Bone-Chilling Unsolved Mysteries In North Carolina Rooted in legend, folklore, and reality, to this day each of these stories remain a mystery. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Joseph Dewey AKIN. 'They deserve justice': Families seek answers as Jefferson - al Knowing this, you might find yourself wondering, Why is Alabamas crime rate so high?. Its very frustrating to see that the case is still open and nothing has been done.. The Selma Times-Journal obtained a list of unsolved murders from the Dallas County District Attorneys office, with input from the Selma Police Department (SPD) and the Dallas County Sheriffs Office (DCSO). The detective will look over the scene for things they missed or something that slipped through the cracks. Proctor is described as a white female who stands around 5'8" and weighs approximately 150 lbs. No one was ever held to account. Andre Robinson: Robinson, was shot in his chest during a robbery in the 1700 block of Saint Phillips Street on April 22, 2014. She was just 11 years old on Bloody Sunday, standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge when state troopers charged the marchers. What is the most famous murder in Alabama history? Elmer Cook, William Stanley Hoggle and Namon "Duck" Hoggle (from left to right) were charged with first-degree murder after James Reeb's death and later acquitted at trial. Murder Capitals Of Alabama For 2021 Joe Duncan pleaded guilty to murdering Alabama State Trooper Elizabeth Cobb in her patrol car in 1987. He was killed outside, a party with at least 20 to 50 residents. Be sure to listen to White Lies for this immensely interesting and deeply significant story. Jennifer is the Alabama staff writer for Only In Your State and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience. SPD Detective Beauty Benjamin said information from the unsolved cases will be re-examined by a current officer that initially investigated the case or a new officer assigned to it. Elmer Cook, William Stanley Hoggle and Namon "Duck" Hoggle (from left to right) were charged with first-degree murder after James Reeb's death and later acquitted at trial.