HPD Cold Case Unit resolves two 2010 homicides through renewed investigation
Published on
More than 15 years after two Huntsville homicides went unsolved, the Huntsville Police Department’s (HPD) Cold Case Unit has established probable cause linking a deceased suspect to both killings, bringing the investigations to a close.
Investigators determined that Jeremy Powell, who died in 2013, was responsible for the homicides of Herbert Gray, 60, in July 2010 and Eden Arlene Lua, 41, in November 2010. Both deaths were ruled homicides and were initially investigated by HPD’s Major Crimes Unit.
Powell was considered a suspect in both cases, but investigators were unable to develop sufficient evidence to establish probable cause at the time. Powell was a known associate of Gray and lived near Lua when she was killed.
HPD’s Cold Case Unit continued reviewing evidence and information from both investigations. During that review, investigators located a television news interview with Powell conducted shortly after Lua’s death. Statements he made during the interview prompted investigators to take a closer look at his possible involvement in the homicides.
Investigators also learned Powell moved to Mississippi shortly after Lua’s death. In April 2013, while being questioned by a Jackson Police Department investigator about an unrelated homicide, Powell fatally shot the investigator before taking his own life.
As the cold case review continued, HPD investigators obtained Powell’s fingerprints from the Jackson Police Department and compared them with evidence collected during Gray’s homicide investigation. The comparison confirmed that Powell’s fingerprints matched prints recovered at the homicide scene and inside Gray’s vehicle, which was stolen following his death.
Investigators presented their findings to the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for review. Based on the investigative findings, probable cause was established linking Powell to both homicides. Because Powell is deceased, neither case will proceed to prosecution, and both investigations have been closed.
“These families have waited more than 15 years for answers about what happened to their loved ones,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “The passage of time does not diminish our commitment to victims and their families. I’m grateful for the dedication of our investigators and their continued efforts to find answers.”
HPD’s Cold Case Unit continues to review unsolved cases, pursuing new leads and reexamining evidence in an effort to bring answers to victims’ families.