Family still seeking justice in 2003 Phenix City homicide
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More than two decades after a fatal shooting claimed the life of a young father and U.S. Army veteran, authorities and family members are renewing their plea for information in hopes of finally bringing closure to a long-unsolved case.
area of 2300 Level Court (Image/Apple Maps)
On Friday, September 26, 2003, at approximately 5:45 a.m. EST, police responded to reports of gunfire in the 2300 block of Level Court in Phenix City. Multiple witnesses told dispatchers they heard several shots and immediately called 911.
Eric Nelams (Image/PCPD)
Eric Nelams (Image/PCPD)
When officers arrived on scene, they discovered 32-year-old Eric Nelams deceased in his carport, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Nelams, a former service member in the United States Army, was also the father of a 9-year-old son at the time of his death. Friends and family remember him as a devoted parent whose life was cut tragically short.
Eric Nelams (Image/PCPD)
Eric Nelams (Image/PCPD)
Investigators conducted numerous interviews and pursued multiple leads in the days and months following the homicide. Despite those efforts, the case eventually went cold, with all known leads exhausted.
Today, the Phenix City Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any new information that could help revive the investigation.
Annie Whittlesey (Image/PCPD
Annie Whittlesey (Image/PCPD
Nelams’ family has remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice. His mother, Annie Whittlesey, continues to speak out, holding onto hope that someone will come forward.
“They took my son Eric at 32,” Whittlesey said. “He deserved to live, and I will never stop fighting for justice for my child.”
Authorities are offering a $15,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Captain Isabel at 334-448-2836 or Investigator Bettencourt at 334-448-2791.
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