Eric Nelams
Phenix City, AL (June 26, 2024):
On September 26, 2003, at approximately 5:30 am, the Phenix City Police Department responded to the
2300 block of Level Court in Phenix City, Alabama. While his wife and children slept inside, Eric Nelams had been gunned down outside his home in the Carpenters Way Subdivision as he headed to work. Upon arrival, Police found Eric outside in his carport. Eric had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was then pronounced deceased on the scene. Phenix City investigators say they’ve questioned several people with no luck cracking the case. “We were able to rule out it being a robbery-type situation or something like that, but we haven’t been able to rule out anything else at this point and time.” In June 2004, Former Alabama Governor Bob Riley heard the family’s pleas for help. He offered a $5,000 reward to anyone who could give information leading to an arrest and conviction. Twenty years later, the victim’s mother, Annie Whittelesy, persists in pursuing answers. Whittelsey says she believes someone close to her son took his life. “They timed him. They knew what time he came out to go to work. He came out to crank his truck up to go to work. They were already there and just started shooting.” She states, “I have a good idea of who did this. As a mother, I have a sense of what happened. I don’t believe friends are friends. Friends are not the friends we think they are,” Whittelesy declares.
Season of Justice was able to sponsor a billboard along HWY 280 near where Eric was killed, which will remain up through August 18, 2024. We hope this billboard reminds the community that Eric’s family remains committed to getting justice and answers. What may seem like a small piece of information could be huge in developing a lead to help solve Eric’s cold case and bring his killer to justice.
Crime Stoppers of Central Alabama is offering $5,000 in cash for information and an additional $5,000 is being offered by the state, totaling $10,000.
If you have any information regarding this cold case homicide investigation, please call Crime Stoppers of Central Alabama using the 24-hour tip line at 334-215-STOP (7867) or click the Submit a Tip button below. All tips are anonymous.