Opelika police asking for any information regarding 2001 cold case

Steve Whitlow/Source: Opelika Police Department

Opelika police need your help in solving a 2001 cold case.

Officials say just before 9 p.m. on January 3, 2001, officers responded to the 300 block of S. Third Street regarding a vehicle crash.

Once they arrived, they found 50-year-old Steve Edward Whitlow inside a 1994 Ford Aerostar with a fatal gunshot wound.

After an autopsy was complete, it was determined to be a homicide. So far, no arrests have been made in this case.

OPD officials say at the time of his murder, Whitlow was a Security Guard at Char-Broil, located on Williamson Ave in Opelika. He was also a Navy Veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.

Whitlow left behind a daughter, Tina Whitlow, who is still seeking answers as to what happened to her father 23 years ago.

“I had to lay my father to rest 23 years ago,” says Tina. “I was only 20 years old, which was the hardest day of my life. My father was shot and killed on the corner of 3rd Street and Ave B, where his van went into someone’s yard and rested in a tree. I feel that someone knows what happened and who did this. So, I am asking for anyone who has any knowledge or information to please contact the Opelika Police Department. I am praying for justice so that way I can have closure.”

If you have information regarding this cold case, you are asked to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665.

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. Tips can be submitted by calling (334) 215-STOP.