OPELIKA, Ala. — A quarter-century after two men were killed in a mobile-home fire, their families and the Opelika community are still seeking answers.
The Opelika Police Department issued a statement Monday, marking 25 years since the deaths of 24-year-old Tramaris D. “Stank” Bryant and 28-year-old Tyrone “Winchie” Brooks.
“Today marks 25 years since the lives of Stank and Winchie were tragically cut short,” police said in the statement. “While time has moved on, the search for truth and justice hasn’t stopped. Someone out there knows something that could finally bring closure to their loved ones and hold those responsible accountable.”
On Sept. 28, 2001, at approximately 2:27 a.m., Opelika police officers responded to the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue after receiving a report of a residential fire.
When officers arrived, they saw a mobile home filled with smoke. Officers attempted to enter but were unable to do so because of the fire. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, Bryant and Brooks were found inside the residence with fatal gunshot wounds, police said.
During the early stages of the investigation, detectives pursued several leads, but the case eventually went cold.
“It’s been 25 years, and it doesn’t get any easier,” Connye Brooks-Smith, a cousin of Bryant, said. “There’s still time for someone to come forward and tell what happened. That small piece of information could be the one thing to crack this case wide open.”
Anyone with information about the deaths of Bryant and Brooks is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department’s Detective Division at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Tips also may be submitted through the Opelika Police mobile app, and callers may remain anonymous.
Central Alabama Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Tips may be submitted by calling 334-215-STOP (7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or online at 215STOP.com.
