Opelika man dies 6 days after being assaulted; suspect jailed
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Opelika authorities are investigating their 3rd homicide this year after a man was assaulted in early February.
The investigation began on Friday, February 4th, when Opelika police responded to 200 Vero Court after receiving a 911 call for a possible assault. Officers later discovered that the assault had occurred in the 200 Block of Chester Avenue.
Lee County Coroner Bill Harris says, “Opelika Fire and Rescue and EAMC EMS, they located 56-year-old Edward Shephard Jr with multiple injuries.”
Shephard was transported by ambulance to East Alabama Medical Center emergency room for treatment of his injuries but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery for further treatment. “Shephard’s condition did not improve, and he died from his injuries at 1:45 PM on Thursday, February 10th,” Lee County Coroner Bill Harris added.
Opelika Police developed a suspect during the investigation and on Tuesday, February 15, 41-year-old Jeremiah Ellis Spencer of Lafayette, AL was arrested for murder.
Anyone with any information concerning this case is asked to call the Opelika Police detectives at 334-705-5220, Secret Witness Hotline at (334)745-8665 or the Lee County Coroner’s office at 334-737-3620. You may remain anonymous.
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