The Top 5 Chilling Cold Cases in Alabama

These 5 cases haunt investigators

Apr 23, 2025

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Alabama, steeped in rich history and complex narratives, has witnessed numerous unresolved criminal cases that continue to haunt communities and families. Among these, five particularly chilling cold cases stand out, reflecting the state's enduring struggles with justice and closure.

1. The Mysterious Disappearance and Death of Wanda Jean Mays (1986) 🕵️‍♀️

In May 1986, 26-year-old Wanda Jean Mays vanished from her aunt and uncle's home on Georgia Mountain near Guntersville. The guest room she occupied was found locked from the inside, with its window shattered. Her bloodied nightgown was discovered near the lake behind the house, alongside an empty, blood-stained canoe. Despite extensive searches, no immediate trace of Mays was found. In 2003, skeletal remains were located at the base of a 150-foot cliff approximately 1.8 miles from the residence. It wasn't until 2008 that DNA testing confirmed the remains belonged to Mays. Authorities ruled her death accidental, attributing it to a fall, possibly linked to a chemical imbalance she was reportedly experiencing at the time.

2. The Tragic Case of Amore Wiggins (2012) 👧

On January 28, 2012, the skeletal remains of a young girl were discovered in a trailer park in Opelika, Alabama. Known only as "Baby Jane Doe" for over a decade, the child remained unidentified despite extensive investigations. In 2023, advancements in DNA testing led to the identification of the girl as Amore Joveah Wiggins. Her father, Lamar Vickerstaff Jr., was arrested and charged with felony murder, while his wife, Ruth Vickerstaff, faced charges for failing to report a missing child. The case highlighted significant gaps in child welfare monitoring and brought to light the tragic circumstances surrounding Amore's death.

3. The Unsolved Murder of Shannon Paulk (2001) 🧒

In August 2001, 11-year-old Shannon Paulk disappeared from her neighborhood in Prattville, Alabama. Her body was found a month later in a wooded area, but despite extensive investigations, her killer was never identified. The case remains one of Alabama's most haunting unsolved child murders, with authorities still seeking information that could lead to an arrest.

4. The Disappearance of Lisa Ann Green (2007) 🕵️‍♀️

Lisa Ann Green vanished from her home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 2007. Despite numerous leads and extensive searches, her whereabouts remain unknown. The case has baffled investigators for years, and her family continues to hope for answers regarding her disappearance.YouTube+3WBMA+3Websleuths+3

5. The Cold Case of Tammy Jo Alexander (1979) 🧑‍🦰

Although not originally identified as an Alabama case, Tammy Jo Alexander's remains were found in New York in 1979.Decades later, advancements in forensic science revealed she had ties to Alabama, leading investigators to explore connections in the state. Her case underscores the importance of cross-state collaboration in solving cold cases.