Birmingham, Ala. - Wednesday evening marked seven years since Birmingham Police Officer Jerome Daniels was gunned down while eating dinner at a local restaurant.

Police began collecting evidence shortly after the gunfire ended, but so far, Daniels' killer has not been charged in the crime.

The key to solving the case, detectives said, is for someone who knows what happened to get a little courage -- and search their conscience -- and finally provide a tip, even if the tip is given anonymously.

"We just need more clues," Sergeant James Lewis said.  "We got good information that night.  But we need more so we can tie it in to the people that they're saying that may have done this."

Crime Stoppers re-enacted the crime in hopes of encouraging someone to search their heart and provide the missing link in this case.  Video from the re-enactment can be seen by clicking on the "click here to watch" link next to this article.

"In any neighborhood like this, you know there's information out there that we won't hear, but in the neighborhood, it's out there," Detective Jody Jacobs said.  "We just want one person.  All we need is one person to come forward, and we will take it from there."

Daniels was off-duty and was grabbing a bite to eat at Reno Chicken and Burgers along Graymont Avenue, across from Legion Field.  Police said a gunman rushed into the restaurant and tried to rob it.  As employees and customers were taking cover from the gunman, Daniels rose from his seat and tried to stop the robbery.

The gunman then fired a deadly shot at Daniels.  A short gun battle took place between Daniels and his attacker, but the gunman was able to get away.  He ran somewhere behind the restaurant and apparently got into a car, where a driver was waiting to help him flee the scene.

Police said the gunman never stole any money from the restaurant as he intended.  Instead, the only thing he managed to take was Daniels' life.

Detectives said now that so much time has passed, someone might finally feel comfortable providing a tip on what happened.

"In this business, giving information, you have to have some courage to come forward because that's not easy," Jacobs said.  "People think about the repercussions of coming forward."

Even so, people might realize it's in their best interest to speak.  Perhaps providing information can help them out in the long run.

"Circumstances change," Jacobs said.  "Whether they have a change of heart, they find religion, or maybe they get into a position where if they come forward, this is information that will benefit them.  There are multiple reasons why people come forward."

Witnesses are reminded if they call Crime Stoppers, they can give information without ever giving their names.  Crime Stoppers never uses Caller ID and never records its calls.

"Now we need that person to step forward and say, 'Yes, I saw that happen.  Yes, I heard somebody talking about that.  Yes, I heard a name.  Y'all ought to check on this guy right here,'" Lewis added.

Thousands of dollars in reward money are connected to this case.  Crime Stoppers will pay cash upon an arrest.  And other agencies will pay even more money if the suspect arrested is convicted of the crime.

"There's a pretty large amount of money that could be gained by the right information," Lewis said.  "We don't want bogus information.  We want the right information."

If you have seen or heard anything that could lead detectives to a suspect, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (205) 254-7777.  Also, encrypted tips can be submitted by going to www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and clicking on the "submit an online tip" link.

Authorities pointed out Daniels lived in the same neighborhood in which he was killed.  He spent his life protecting that neighborhood.  Now, it's time for someone in the neighborhood to speak up for him.

"He actually lived right down the street.  He lived in Elyton Village.  So these people know him," Lewis said.  "I think they owe it to him, to his family, and to the police department for us to get closure in this."

When you provide information to Crime Stoppers, you will never be asked for your name.  Instead, detectives will assign you a private code number.  If your tip leads to an arrest, you can then use the code number to claim a cash reward, and detectives still will not ask for your name.

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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