By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Despite few leads and only scant evidence recovered at the crime scene, Atmore police investigators are still actively working to determine who shot an 84-year-old Atmore man to death inside his home more than six months ago.
In response to a request from members of Willie Ankum’s family for an update on the case, Police Chief Chuck Brooks said things are still moving. But, he admitted, they’re moving slowly.
“We’re continuing to investigate Mr. Ankum’s murder,” Brooks said. “There haven’t been any new developments or anything new at all, but we have continued to work it.”
Ankum, who lived alone at 425 Jack Springs Road, was found dead inside his home during late morning of July 26, 2019.
Reports show that patrol officers were dispatched at 11:06 a.m. to that address after receiving a call from Ankum’s son, who reported that his father was apparently dead. Police discovered that the body showed signs of “injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.”
APD investigators were called to the crime scene and secured it for evidence collection. Ankum’s body was taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy. Brooks said the Atmore man appeared to have been dead for eight to 10 hours before the body was discovered
At last report, police were awaiting the results of tests conducted or to be conducted by forensic scientists on evidence recovered at the murder scene.
Anyone with information regarding Ankum’s death is urged to contact APD’s Investigations Unit at 251-368-9141.