This week's Crime Stoppers unsolved homicide report focuses on a cold case dating back to September 2008 when police found the body of Demetrius Raines in a pool of blood. Since then, there have been very few clues as to who was responsible for his death.
Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper hopes someone is now willing to provide a tip to put that killer in jail.
From Chief Roper:
"We need your help to find two people responsible for a deadly shooting. 35-year-old Demetrius Raines was found by police laying face down in a pool of blood on September 4, 2008, along the 4100 block of 39th Avenue North.
Witnesses told officers they saw two men drag Raines from a dark-colored Ford F150 truck and throw him on the ground. That's when Raines was shot twice.
Area residents interviewed by detectives say the vehicle is commonly seen in the neighborhood.
If you can shed any light on this investigation, we need to hear from you.
Give us a call at 205-254-7777. Remember: you will remain anonymous. We'll give you a private code number, and that keeps you from having to give your name.
There's a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest. With Crime Stoppers, I'm Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper."
In addition to telephone tips, you can text a tip by texting the code 7777, along with your tip, to the word CRIMES. Or, you can submit an encrypted tip by going to www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and clicking on the "submit an online tip" link.
No matter which method you choose, you will remain anonymous.
The cash reward in this case is offered to the first person whose tip leads to an arrest. Even if you receive the cash reward, you still will not have to give your name -- only the code number.
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama 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.
