Reward raised for information in death of Shannon Steele
In an effort to “re-energize” a cold case, Dist. Atty. Greg Griggers and Demopolis Police Chief Rex Flowers Wednesday announced an additional $15,000 in reward money for the person who shares information leading to the arrest of the murder of Shannon Sharell Steele.
The 29-year-old mother of two was found dead in her home Dec. 28, 2017, by a DPD officer attempting to serve papers at a home in Edgemont Village.
This is a “particularly heinous crime,” said Griggers. Steele was killed while her two small children were in the house.
The state had set a $5,000 reward at the time of the murder. With $10,000 from the DA’s office and another $5,000 from the DPD, “Our hope is that we can reenergize the public’s interest in this case,” said Griggers.
“If there is anyone in the community that’s been reluctant to bring forward” information, he continued, it is hoped that person now will step up to help solve the case.
Griggers said flyers have been prepared that explain how to contact the DA or the police to give information. The reward will be given as soon as an arrest is made.
He complemented the DPD for the exhaustive investigation into Steele’s death, even though the department hasn’t been able to develop a “solid suspect.” Flowers said his officers continue to go over the evidence. “No rock is unturned.”
Several members of Steele’s family attending the announcement thanked the DPD for the work it has done toward solving her death.
The murder was discovered when the officer trying to serve the papers was met at the door by a small child who said someone had killed his mother. The officer discovered Steele’s body in a back bedroom. Also in the room was the victim’s four-month-old child. Steele died from an apparent gunshot wound.
DPD Criminal and Crime Scene Investigators spent several hours at the scene talking to neighbors and collecting evidence. The two children at the residence were not injured.
Anyone with any information pertaining to the case can call 334-216-4077.
