February 10, 2025 | By: Hope Johnson

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and the University of North Florida’s Applied Journalism class.

Eric Nelams loved to make trips back and forth from Columbus, Georgia to Atlanta to spend time with his sister. “Being so close in age, we just kind of did life together,” said his sister, Cathy Nelams. “He was my very best friend. “Eric’s life reflected loyalty, strength, and service, with close family ties in both Columbus, GA, and Phenix City, AL.

Those trips stopped 21 years ago, when Eric Nelams, age 32, was shot outside of his Alabama home when leaving for work. He was found by his family members shortly after being killed. His murder has never been solved.

Eric grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and was a big family person. Eric’s family meant everything to him and just always wanted to make them happy. Eric loved Christmas, it was when their whole family got together at their grandmother’s house and would all gather around, eat, dance and just enjoy everyone’s company. “He was such a charismatic person, very lovable and personable,” said Cathy. “He was the biggest family man I knew.” Cathy was a single mother, and her support system consisted of her mother and Eric, “Whatever I couldn’t get for my children, Eric always helped out and supplemented for us.”

T’Keiyah, Eric’s niece remembers him fondly as a “Positive role model and father figure to me, he always showed up for us and was very involved. During the summer me and my cousin were more like brother and sister.” Growing up they would go to water parks, softball games, and enjoy BBQs together.

As a child, Eric played baseball for the local community baseball team. “Everyone thought he was so little, but once they saw him out there, they were in awe,” said Cathy. “Their initial opinion was that he was too little, but he proved himself.” Eric was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, and the Atlanta Braves.

Eric was very interested in computers and technology and had such a large curiosity for life. Cathy recalls her brother being in awe of the Atari gaming system when it first came out. “He would play all the different games and try to master them all, he was so curious as to how the Atari worked, he took the whole gaming system apart, just to try and put it back together”. Cathy remembers Eric putting it back together so confidently without their mother even noticing.

Cathy was Eric’s biggest fan. She loved how he lived his life. Though he was short, he was a big person with a big personality.

Eric began taking classes at DeVry University in Atlanta, Georgia to expand his knowledge in technology. He later had to withdraw and then joined the United States Army to help provide a stable lifestyle.

Eric Nelams was a loving husband and father, with one biological child of his own. Eric was deeply dedicated to his family “Whoever Eric was in a relationship with, he treated their children like their own. Eric cared and loved so hard” Cathy stated. His son and stepdaughter, inspired by his values, later joined the Army to honor his legacy.

He dressed very well from a young age, with Cathy’s help. “In high school, he was not put together at all,” said Cathy. “I wanted him to dress more grown”. Eric would put his clothes out the night before and Cathy would always offer to iron his clothes for him. “He would carry himself with so much confidence, even though he was short he was the man.” Eric was known for wearing a proper suit with a hat.

On Friday, Sep. 26, 2003, Eric was scheduled to work that morning. But he never made it into work, Eric was found outside his home on Level Ct. in Phenix City, Alabama in his carport with multiple gunshot wounds. His wife and children were home at the time and endured the trauma of the situation and the aftermath.

His house was right in the middle of a cul-de-sac. The police report states they believe there were multiple suspects, and they believe the suspects could see the house from the street, waiting for him to leave for work.

Cathy believes it had to be someone he knew since only his close friends would know where he lived. The police have multiple theories. Cathy stated, “I believe there is more to the story”.

After Eric’s death, Cathy stepped away from her church. “I was overwhelmed by grief and struggled with anger and pain, which is a normal part of losing someone we loved so deeply. I could not say He was my Savior when He allowed something like that to happen.”

Years later, Cathy has learned mechanisms to help her grieve. Knowing that nothing will ever take the pain away, there are some things that help comfort her.

Cathy returned to the faith knowing that being in the dark is not a place she wanted to stay.

Cathy and her family posted reward money for anyone who had tips that could help solve the cold case. The family has launched a Change.org petition urging Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall to reopen the case, aiming to gather support and bring renewed attention to Eric’s story. A billboard near the crime scene on the 280 Bypass keeps Eric’s memory alive and serves as a public call for information, with Central Alabama Crimestoppers and the Governor offering a $10,000 reward for any tips leading to an arrest.

She wishes for another law enforcement officer to take and review the case. A new set of eyes could possibly see something in the evidence they have that was missed beforehand.

Cathy Nelams lost her best friend that day.  Not a day goes by that she does not advocate for his case. Cathy said that it is hard to navigate how to live when she does not know why her brother died. Cathy stated, “Navigating through this case is like a second job for me”. Eric’s family visits his grave site at Fort Mitchell cemetery. They pick out flowers and ballons and all take a moment to reflect and laugh together.

The story of Eric Nelams is not just a story about a crime; it’s about a family’s resilience, love, and relentless pursuit of justice. By sharing Eric’s story, the community can help ensure his legacy is honored and his case remains a priority. Eric was such an amazing person; he loved his family and did whatever he could to help his family. Eric was well loved and still loved to this day.

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Anyone with information on Eric Nelams’s unsolved homicide is asked to call the Phenix City Police Department at 334-448-2800. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Central Alabama Crime Stoppers’ 24-hour tip line at 334-215-STOP.

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