Opelika police still trying to solve shooting death from 2001

OPELIKA, Ala. (WSFA) - Williamson Avenue in Opelika is an industrial space with a gas company, tile shop and more all lining the street. And in 2001, this was the site of a spot called Char-Broil, and Steve Whitlow and his daughter, Tina Whitlow, both worked there as security guards.

“It was a joy to work with him at Char-Broil,” Tina Whitlow said. “He knew everybody by their name, and everybody knew him.”

Her description of the spot is reminiscent of an old school sitcom - a father-daughter duo in a small town working together. Tina Whitlow says it was a happy time until things turned dark quickly.

On Jan. 3, 2001, police were called out to a home on Third Street, not far from Char-Broil. The initial car was for a car accident. When officers got closer, they realized it was something more sinister. Opelika police responded and said this was a murder scene. The victim, 50-year-old Whitlow, had been shot and killed.

“Upon arrival, they found a 1994 Ford Aerostar that was crashed into a tree. And when they went to the driver’s window, they found Steve Whitlow deceased with a gunshot wound,” said Capt. John Hester with the Opelika Police Department.

Whitlow’s car was found in a yard. He’d crashed into a tree. His daughter was devastated. She would go on and bury her father, who was a Vietnam Army veteran who served his country and served his community as a security guard.

“He was a very generous man. He would do anything for anybody,” she said.

As she buried her father, investigators went to work. Opelika police dedicated a lot of time, money and resources to Whitlow’s case. Eventually, the case turned cold with no new leads. It was another devastating blow for his daughter.

“It’s just hard,” she said. “He’s missed so much. He missed out on me being a bride. He missed out on meeting my son.”

It’s been 23 years now, and no one has ever been charged or arrested in this case. Opelika police say they haven’t lost hope.

“Even though this was 23 years ago, it’s still affecting somebody’s life today, Hester said. “Any little piece of information can be a piece of the puzzle that we need to help resolve this case.”

There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the Steve Whitlow case. If you have information, you can contact the Opelika Police Department or Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-7867.

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