In the late hours of a Friday night in Eufaula, Alabama, a gathering at a biker club on Wall Street turned deadly. On February 5, 2021, 48-year-old Eric Russaw, a Black male, was shot multiple times. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m., and despite the efforts of Eufaula Fire Rescue, Mr. Russaw was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds to his upper body.
The Eufaula Police Department responded to a call of shots fired and discovered Mr.
Russaw, who was originally from Abbeville, Alabama. An investigation into the homicide was immediately launched, but the case has since gone cold. According to Eric Russaw's brother, Derek, the shooting may have stemmed from an argument over a woman who had accompanied his brother to the party. Derek Russaw also stated his belief that between 15 and 20 people were inside the establishment when the shooting occurred but that no one called for help until the club had emptied out. He recounted hearing that his brother was knocked to the ground, shot, and then moved outside before emergency services were notified.
Years have passed with no arrests made and no suspects publicly identified in the shooting death of Eric Russaw. Frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation, his family has voiced their feeling that the case was not handled thoroughly and that potential witnesses have remained silent. They continue to seek closure and justice for a man described as adventurous and always willing to help others.
In an effort to generate new leads, Crimestoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest. The family remains hopeful that this incentive will encourage someone to come forward with the truth about what happened that night. In the wake of his death, Eric Russaw's wife, Lakeisha Russaw, established the Eric Russaw Memorial Scholarship to support students from Abbeville High School or Eufaula High School who are pursuing career technical programs, creating a positive legacy in his name. The Eufaula Police Department continues to ask anyone with information to contact them or to use their anonymous tip line.
