Crime Stoppers Boosts Rewards in Birmingham Cold Cases
Authorities offer new incentives for information on the unsolved disappearances and killings of two Birmingham residents.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Financial Crime
Crime Stoppers has increased reward offerings as anniversaries pass for the unresolved 2021 disappearance of Sterling Jones and the 2022 shooting death of Roderick Gray, Jr. Both cases remain under investigation by local authorities in Birmingham.
Why it matters
Renewed efforts by Crime Stoppers aim to generate fresh leads for investigators who have yet to identify suspects or recover Sterling Jones. The financial incentives are designed to encourage members of the public to provide anonymous tips that could help close these long-standing cases.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $20,000 reward for leads on the 68-year-old Sterling Jones and $5,000 for information regarding the death of 26-year-old Roderick Gray, Jr.
The players
Sterling Jones
He is a 68-year-old resident who went missing after departing the Birmingham Race Course.
Roderick Gray, Jr.
He was a 26-year-old man who was fatally shot while in Birmingham.
Crime Stoppers
This organization facilitates the anonymous reporting of tips to law enforcement to assist in criminal investigations.
The details
Sterling Jones, 68, was last seen leaving the Birmingham Race Course with a destination of a Mississippi casino, while 26-year-old Roderick Gray, Jr. was found shot in an alley on 4th Street North. The family of Sterling Jones has independently gathered doorbell and gas station camera footage to aid in the search efforts.
Timeline
October 25, 2021: Sterling Jones disappeared.
October 15, 2022: Roderick Gray, Jr. was shot and killed.
Legal Context
These reward increases follow the established model of the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line protocols to solicit community intelligence in stalled investigations. The actions mirror standard efforts by local law enforcement to resolve cold cases that have remained stagnant due to a lack of witness testimony.
Residents with any information regarding the disappearance of Sterling Jones or the death of Roderick Gray, Jr. are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously. Increased rewards often trigger renewed public interest that can lead to vital evidence being submitted to investigators.
The takeaway
Unsolved cases often require ongoing public engagement to maintain momentum as time passes. Community members with doorbell or surveillance footage from relevant dates are urged to review and report any suspicious activity to help law enforcement bring closure to these families.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations in the Birmingham Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBMA.
