New forensic findings reveal Opelika’s unidentified 1990 homicide victim was likely a teenager
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More than three decades after an unidentified homicide victim was discovered in Opelika, investigators say newly updated forensic findings could provide the breakthrough needed to finally identify him.
The Opelika Police Department announced updated physical characteristics for the unidentified 1990 homicide victim following a recent forensic re-examination conducted alongside the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.
According to police, the victim’s remains were exhumed from Evergreen Cemetery on May 5, 2026. The remains were then transported by the Lee County Coroner to the ADFS Montgomery Medical Laboratory for further examination.
On May 8, the chief medical examiner with ADFS, along with forensic anthropologists, conducted a detailed review of the remains. Investigators say the new findings significantly change the victim’s estimated age and height from the original 1990 autopsy report.
In 1990, the victim was believed to be between 18 and 25 years old and approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. However, the new forensic examination now suggests the victim was likely a juvenile.
The revised victim profile includes:
Age: 15 to 18 years old
Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches
Weight: Estimated between 135 and 145 pounds
Cause of death: Homicide by a single gunshot wound
The victim’s body was originally discovered in September 1990 in a creek bed off Anderson Road in Opelika.
At the time, investigators said the victim was wearing a white St. Louis Cardinals pinstripe jersey, Jordache blue jeans and black Ellesse shoes.
During the recent examination, officials collected a bone sample for additional DNA testing and comparison. Detectives are now reviewing missing persons reports from 1990 and earlier that may have previously been ruled out due to the original age and height estimates.
Police believe the updated forensic profile could help generate new leads in the decades-old homicide investigation.
CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Anyone with information regarding a missing Black male between the ages of 15 and 18 in 1990 is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police mobile app or by calling CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
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