In the quiet community of Sylacauga, Alabama, the discovery of a young man's body behind a vacant house shattered the morning calm. Tony Jaquez Keith, a 26-year-old male, was found deceased on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. He had sustained a single gunshot wound to his upper body. Authorities believe the fatal shooting likely occurred sometime between the evening of Tuesday, March 28, and the following morning.
The Sylacauga Police Department was called to the scene in the area of South
Main Avenue, between East Clay Street and East Park Street, where they located Mr. Keith behind the deserted residence. His death was quickly ruled a homicide, marking the fourth such investigation in the city that year. The Talladega County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene, and his body was subsequently transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for further examination to aid in the investigation.
In the wake of the discovery, the Sylacauga Police Department, along with the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tony Jaquez Keith's death. As of early April 2023, no suspects had been taken into custody, and investigators were actively working to identify a person or persons of interest and determine a motive for the shooting.
To encourage the public to come forward with any information, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers announced a $1,000 reward for tips leading to the identity and arrest of those responsible for Mr. Keith's death. Law enforcement officials urged anyone with knowledge of the case to contact the Sylacauga Police Department or the CrimeStoppers tip line, assuring that callers could remain anonymous. The investigation into the death of Tony Jaquez Keith remains ongoing as his community awaits answers and justice.
