Opelika police exhume body of unknown person killed in 1990 homicide
Crews exhume the body of an unknown 1990 homicide victim from Evergreen Cemetery in Opelika on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – Photo from Opelika Police Department
OPELIKA, Ala. (WAKA) – Opelika police have exhumed the body of an unidentified 1990 homicide victim in the hopes that advanced DNA testing can lead them to his identity.
Yesterday, police and forensic experts pulled the body of a young Black male from Evergreen Cemetery.
Body of unidentified homicide victim found in creek bed off Anderson Road in Opelika, September 22, 1990 – Photo from Opelika Police Department
On September 22, 1990, his body was discovered in a creek bed off Anderson Road, about one-tenth of a mile from Interstate 85 in Opelika. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as homicide resulting from a single gunshot wound.
Despite an intensive 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.”
Police say he had been wearing a white St. Louis Cardinals jersey-type shirt with red pin stripes, Jordache blue jeans and black Ellesse shoes. It is believed he was between the ages of 18-25 years old, 135-145 lbs. and was about 5 foot 8 inches tall.
Artist rendering of unidentified 1990 homicide victim in Opelika – Photo from Opelika Police Department
Artist rendering of unidentified 1990 homicide victim in Opelika – Photo from Opelika Police Department
The department says it hopes to repeat 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,” Opelika Police Chief Johnathan Clifton said. “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 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 our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. Tips can be submitted by calling (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP.
