Cold Cases
Unidentified Anderson Road Homicide Victim
On September 22, 1990, the body of a young black male was recovered from a creek bed off Anderson Road, approximately one-tenth of a mile from Interstate 85 in Opelika, Ala. The body was sent to Montgomery, Ala. for an autopsy. After a medical examination, the cause of death was determined to be homicide from a single gunshot wound. The victim was wearing a white St. Louis Cardinals jersey type shirt with red pin stripes, Jordache blue jeans, and black Ellesse shoes. It is believed that the victim was between the ages of 18-25 years old, 135-145 lbs., and approximately 5 foot 8 inches. During the initial investigation, detectives were unable to locate any missing persons reports similar to the victim.
Central Alabama Crime Stoppers 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.
If you have information regarding a cold case, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or our Secret Witness Hotline at (334)745-8665. Tips can also be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
SOLVED
Opelika Baby Jane Doe Identified as Amore Wiggins
On January 19, 2023, the Opelika Police Department identified the remains of a child found on January 28, 2012, as Amore Jo'Veah Wiggins.
Read the press release here Version OptionsCold CasesSOLVEDHeadline.
Amore Wiggins Memorial
In January of 2012, remains of a small child were located in a wooded area off of Hurst Street in Opelika. The child became affectionally known as Baby Jane Doe for the next 11 years. In January of 2023, the Opelika Police Department announced that they had identified the child as Amore Jo'Veah Wiggins. In February of 2023, Amore was laid to rest in Virginia.
Because Amore spent the past decade in Opelika and has become a part of our family, OPD would like to place a memorial marker within the community to honor her. We are still trying to find a location for placement but would like to start working on raising the funds needed for this project.
The estimated cost of a custom statue is approximately $15,000. Once funds are raised, it is estimated to take 6+ months to create.
How to Contribute
Cash:
Cash can be donated at the Opelika Police Department, located at 501 S. 10th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.
Check:
Checks should be made out to the Opelika Police Department with Amore Wiggins Memorial in the memo line. Checks can be dropped off at the Opelika Police Department or mailed to:
501 South 10th Street
PO Box 2485
Opelika, AL 36803-2485
Credit Card:
Credit Cards can be taken in person at the Opelika Police Department or over the phone, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Call 334-705-5200 and ask to speak to Records.
We do not accept money orders.
Once the project is paid in full, any remaining funds will be donated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Amore’s name.