Birmingham, Ala. - It was right before Christmas when Kortney Nichols was shot and killed after someone knocked on his door.

It happened at the old Aspen Run apartments.  Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper is reminding the public, if you know who was at the door that night, you can speak up, and you will remain anonymous.

From Chief Roper:

"Kortney Nichols was on the phone with a friend when a killer came knocking on the door.  It happened at the Highland Bluff apartments, which used to be called Aspen Run.  It was late on the night of December 23, 2009.

Mr. Nichols apparently did not know who was at the door, but he opened it anyway, and he was met with a hail of gunfire.  Mr. Nichols was armed, and he returned fire.  However, he had been severely wounded, and he died later that night at the hospital.

We're told his killer, or killers, got away in a tan or gold sedan with standard rims.

Clearly, someone had it in for Kortney Nichols.  They went to the apartment that night with the intention of killing someone.  And we are certain the killers have either told someone what happened, or someone else has been able to put the pieces together and has a good idea as to who fired the fatal shots.

So now, we remind you, there is a way to share your knowledge without risking your own life.  You can reach Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.  Or you can text "7777" to the word "CRIMES."

Either way, you're anonymous, and Crime Stoppers cannot call you to testify in court.  Plus, there's a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.

Kortney Nichols has family and friends waiting for real justice.  Since no one will know it was you who called, you can get in touch with Crime Stoppers, and justice can be served.

With Crime Stoppers, I'm Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper."

Encrypted tips can also be submitted online by going to www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and clicking on the "submit an online tip" link.

All tipsters receive private code numbers and can use their code number to claim a cash reward if their tip is the first to lead to an arrest.

Crime Stoppers is a partnership between local law enforcement, the Birmingham Business Alliance and ABC 33/40.  Together, our goal is to make our community a safer place to live and work.

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