CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
OPELIKA, AL — On Tuesday, May 5, the Opelika Police Department, in coordination with forensic experts, exhumed the remains of an unidentified homicide victim from Evergreen Cemetery. The exhumation is part of a renewed effort to utilize modern genetic genealogy to identify a young man whose case has remained cold for over three decades.
Case Background
On Sept. 22, 1990, the body of a young Black male was discovered in a creek bed off Anderson Road, located approximately one-tenth of a mile from Interstate 85 in Opelika.
An autopsy conducted in Montgomery, confirmed the cause of death as homicide resulting from a single gunshot wound. Despite an intensive initial investigation, detectives were unable to find any missing persons reports matching the victim’s description, and he was eventually buried at Evergreen Cemetery as “John Doe.”
At the time of his death the victim was wearing a white St. Louis Cardinals jersey type shirt with red pin stripes, Jordache blue jeans, and black Ellesse shoes. It is believed that the victim was between the ages of 18 to 25 years old, 135 to 145 pounds, and approximately 5 foot 8 inches tall.
The department is seeking to replicate the success found in previous cold cases by leveraging advancements in investigative genetic genealogy.
“We are hopeful that advanced DNA testing can help us identify our John Doe and bring additional leads in this case,” said Johnathan Clifton, Chief of Police. “We saw how genealogy was able to solve our Baby Jane Doe case and are hopeful to bring closure to this man’s family.”
The department wants to thank the following organizations for their assistance today; Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Auburn University VCOM, Troy University School of Social Sciences, Opelika ESG, Lee County Coroners Office and Lee County District Attorney’s Office.
The Opelika Police Department continues to ask the public for any information regarding this 1990 case. Even the smallest detail could prove vital when combined with new forensic evidence.
If you have any information, please contact the Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Additional information on this case can be found here: https://www.opelika-al.gov/1130/Unidentified
