Crime Stoppers August 21: Authorities need tips in a homicide in - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Crime Stoppers August 21: Authorities need tips in a homicide investigation that has led them across the Southeast

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By Haley Westbrook - bio | email
Suspect who used victim's credit cards Suspect who used victim's credit cards
Suspect who used victim's credit cards Suspect who used victim's credit cards
Suspect who used victim's credit cards Suspect who used victim's credit cards
Suspect's vehicle Suspect's vehicle

2006-2007 ST. CLAIR COUNTY HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION: 

The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office needs your help in a cold case homicide investigation involving a 62-year-old Georgia man.

Barry Helling was reported as a missing person through the Gwinnett County Police Department on Dec. 9, 2006, and his body was found Jan. 3, 2007, off I-20 and U.S. Highway 78 in Riverside.

"We're not going to give up until we have closure on it," said Shelby County investigator Randy Hurst.

Investigative leads have led detectives across the Southeast after a man was seen using the victim's credit cards at various locations. The suspect's picture is posted to the right of this story. He is also a person of interest in the homicide investigation.

"We know there is somebody out there who has seen this guy," added Hurst.

When Helling disappeared, his credit card was used in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Many times, the suspect, who usually wore a gold watch with a black face, drove away in a black truck. The picture of the vehicle is also posted to the right of this story.

Several times, police believe the suspect disguised himself as the victim, who had a beard. They also believe he could be from the Florida area, given the number of times he used the victim's credit cards. 

TO PROVIDE A TIP ON THE CASE:  You can reach Crime Stoppers anytime at (205) 254-7777.

Also, you can text 7777, along with your tip, to the word "CRIMES."  Or if you prefer to send an encrypted tip online, go to www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and click on the "submit an online tip" link.

No matter which method you choose, you will remain anonymous.  Each tipster receives a private code number.  If an arrest is made based on an individual's tip, the tipster can use the code number to claim a cash reward.

Crime Stoppers cannot call tipsters to testify in court.

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.