The Opelika Police Department is renewing its call for information in the 2001 homicides of Tramaris D. “Stank” Bryant and Tyrone “Winchie” Brooks, two men who were found fatally shot inside a mobile home following a residential fire.
On Sept. 28, 2001, at approximately 2:27 a.m., Opelika police officers responded to the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue regarding a reported residential fire.
When officers arrived, they observed a mobile home with a large amount of smoke coming from inside. Officers attempted to enter the residence but were unable to do so because of the fire.
After the fire was extinguished, officers discovered two victims inside the residence. Bryant, 24, and Brooks, 28, had both sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
According to Opelika police, detectives followed several potential leads during the early stages of the investigation. However, the case eventually went cold.
“It’s been 23 years and it doesn’t get any easier,” Connye Brooks-Smith, Bryant’s cousin, said. “There’s still time for someone to come forward and to tell what happened. That small piece of information could be the one thing to crack this case wide open.”
Police are asking anyone with information regarding the deaths of Bryant and Brooks to come forward. Tips can be provided to the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at 334-705-5220 or through the department’s Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665.
Tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police mobile app, and individuals may remain anonymous.
Central Alabama Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Tips can be submitted to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or through its website at http://www.215STOP.com.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators, even if they believe the information may be insignificant. In a case that has remained unsolved for more than two decades, investigators say even a small piece of information could help move the investigation forward.
Video: https://youtu.be/tv9JRZM16Zo
