Cold Case: $5,000 reward offered in 2001 Opelika double murder

OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – More than two decades after the murder of two men found dead in a mobile home fire, Opelika police are renewing efforts to solve a cold case.

In the early hours of September 28, 2001, Opelika police responded to a house fire on the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue. The scene escalated into a double homicide investigation when the bodies of two men were found inside the charred home.

“They observed a house that had flames and thick smoke coming out of it, and once they made entry inside, they located two victims with multiple gunshot wounds each,” explained Detective Andrew Burroughs of the Opelika Police Department.

The victims were identified as 24-year-old Tramaris D. “Stank” Bryant and 28-year-old Tyrone “Winchie” Brooks. Their bodies were discovered amidst the soot and ash, with investigators uncovering early leads. However, despite the initial momentum, no arrests have been made, and critical details remain unresolved, leaving their families without answers.

More than two decades later, Opelika detectives are working to breathe new life into the investigation, hoping a cold case showcase and a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction will reignite public interest.

Bryant’s relative, Connye Brooks-Smith, remains hopeful that new information will surface. “He was a good dad. He loved his kids. And they were hurt because they were young,” Brooks-Smith shared, reflecting on the toll his death has taken on their family. She added, “They always knew him by his smile. He had a beautiful smile. I’m not saying they were perfect, but who is? They didn’t deserve to be murdered, and I know there is someone, several people, who know.”

If you have information regarding the murders of Tramaris D. ‘Stank’ Bryant and Tyrone ‘Winchie’ Brooks, please get in touch with the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or our Secret Witness Hotline at (334)745-8665. Tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You can remain anonymous.

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