Alabama police are seeking the public’s help to uncover clues that might lead to justice in the murder of a security guard more than 23 years ago.

The crime occurred on January 3, 2001 in Opelika, Alabama.

At approximately 8:48 p.m., the police responded to the 300 Block of S. Third Street, regarding a reported vehicle crash.

Officers located the vehicle and found 50-year-old Steve Edward Whitlow, inside a 1994 Ford Aerostar with a fatal gunshot wound.

An autopsy was conducted and the manner of death was determined to be homicide.

Detectives began an investigation into Whitlow’s murder however, the case eventually went cold. At the time of his murder, Whitlow was a security guard at Char-Broil, located on Williamson Ave in Opelika.

He was also a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.

Whitlow left behind a daughter, Tina Whitlow, who is still seeking answers as to what happened to her father 23 years ago.

“I had to lay my father to rest 23 years ago,” Tina Whitlow said. “I was only 20 years old, which was the hardest day of my life. My father was shot and killed on the corner of 3rd Street and Ave B, where his van went into someone’s yard and rested in a tree.”

“I feel that someone knows what happened and who did this. So, I am asking for anyone who has any knowledge or information to please contact the Opelika police department. I am praying for justice so that way I can have closure.”

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.

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, or via their website: www.215STOP.com.