Eric Bernard Nelams was a 32-year-old Army veteran and father. On the morning of September 26, 2003, he was shot and killed in the carport of his own home as he left for work. More than two decades later, no one has been arrested.
At around 5:30 a.m. on September 26, 2003, Eric stepped outside his home on Level Court in Phenix City to head to work, just as he did every day. As he reached his vehicle, he was shot. His wife and child were asleep inside the home at the time. Police responded to 911 calls reporting gunshots and found Eric in the carport with a fatal gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators ruled out robbery early on, since nothing was taken from Eric or the home.
Eric served in the U.S. Army, including training at West Point, and later attended DeVry College in Atlanta to become a computer specialist. His mother, Annie Whittlesey, has described him as a friendly person who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. His sister, Cathy Nelams, has said the two were extremely close, making frequent trips between Columbus, Georgia and Atlanta to spend time together.
Investigators and Eric's family believe the shooting was not random. Annie has said she believes someone who knew Eric's schedule told others when he left for work each morning, and that his killers were waiting for him. Despite interviewing multiple witnesses over the years, police say all early leads have been exhausted.
For more than 20 years, Eric's family has pushed for the case to be reopened, including a billboard near the crime scene, a Change.org petition asking the Alabama Attorney General to take over the investigation, and regular outreach to police. In 2026, Phenix City Police renewed their public call for new leads.
The reward for information leading to an arrest in Eric's case now totals $15,000, combining contributions from Central Alabama Crime Stoppers, the state of Alabama, and the victim advocacy group Higher Hope Foundation.
How to report a tip:
Phenix City Police Department: 334-448-2800
Central Alabama Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 334-215-STOP (7867)
Reward: $15,000 for information leading to identification and arrest