Walker County Investigators Need Information Regarding the Death of Eric Cates
January 19, 2020

On March 21, 2015 Walker County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a burned vehicle with a body inside behind old Empire School.  The vehicle, determined to be a white 1994 Chevy S-10 truck, was registered to James “Eric” Cates.  The burned body inside the truck was determined to be Eric Cates.  At the present time the cause of death is uncertain.  Investigators know that many people living in and travelling through Empire knew Eric Cates, and believe someone may yet have information that could prove helpful in determining the circumstance of his death.  Investigators are particularly interested in any information regarding persons travelling through the area where Cates and his vehicle were found, either on foot or by vehicle, between the dates of March 19 and March 21, 2015.  Please contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama if you have any information to share regarding this case.  You remain anonymous, and the information you provide to  Crime Stoppers leading to the charge and arrest of an identified suspect could result in a cash reward.