Closure Near: 27-Year-Old Alabama Murder Case Reignited with New Charges Against Current DOC Inmate

Disclosure: State of Alabama-based writer. This article is a work from cited sources for informational purposes and is used with permission. No affiliate links are included.

(Alabama)- In a significant development in an Alabama decades-old murder case, Christopher Conrad is now facing murder charges for his alleged role in the 1997 killing of Vernon Stuart North. Conrad, who had previously been convicted and imprisoned for Robbery in connection with the crime, is being held accountable for North’s death following a recent review of the case.

Vernon Stuart NorthPhoto byWTVY News4 YouTube

On August 8, 204, The Dothan Police Department reported that the Vernon Stuart North case remained open for years, as investigators pursued leads and explored new forensic testing methods and police technologies. A comprehensive review of the case was undertaken, including a reexamination of interviews conducted in both 1997 and 2014. This process included discussions with the District Attorney's Office to determine the best course of action.

Christopher Conrad Linked Himself

In 2014, Conrad was arrested for an unrelated forgery crime, during which he made incriminating statements about the 1997 robbery that resulted in North's murder. Though initially charged and convicted for Robbery in the first degree, Conrad’s statements have now prompted investigators to charge him with murder.

Christopher ConradPhoto byAlabama DOC

During the 2014 investigation, Conrad provided specific details about the robbery and North’s death—details that only someone intimately involved in the crime could know. These statements, combined with new evaluations of the evidence, have led investigators to believe there is sufficient evidence to prove Conrad's legal culpability in North’s murder.

North's Family Feels Hopeful

In August 2024, North's sister, Ronnie Moody, spoke with WTVY News and expressed the family was elated by the new update. She said, "Our first reaction was, wow, after 27 years that we’ve been hoping and praying that this would come to fruition, it was like, Oh my goodness, praise the Lord for that one."

Closure Around the Corner

The charges against Conrad represent a critical step toward justice for Vernon Stuart North and his family, as investigators continue to ensure that those responsible for the crime are held accountable.

Moody ended the interview and said, " We have believed all along that Christopher Conrad was responsible for this and possibly some other people along with him. I think we are one step closer to this and hopefully, we will get closure."

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