In Atlanta, Georgia, the decades-long quest to solve the murder of Princella Eppes, who was tragically found dead in her apartment back in July 1990, has gained renewed focus. Eppes was a victim of a fatal shooting at her residence on North Highland Avenue, and more than three decades later, her case remains a frustrating mystery. Armed with new initiatives, including a prominent billboard campaign and a hefty reward, her family remains hopeful that these efforts will stir public interest and reignite a trail gone cold.
Over 30 years have passed without a single arrest or suspect named in connection with Eppes’ death. The stinging absence of closure has driven her family to take matters into their own hands, funding a billboard that now overlooks a busy Atlanta roadway. This billboard not only features the smiling face of Princella but also advertises a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of her killer.
Local authorities speculate that individuals with knowledge about the crime might still be out there, possibly deterred from coming forward due to fear or an undying loyalty to the perpetrator. Detective John Myles, who recently took over the case, emphasized the importance of fresh information that could be out there. “Someone knows something,” Myles stated. “Time can change loyalties, and we hope that with this incentive, individuals will find it in themselves to come forward.”
The impact of unsolved crimes on families and communities can be long-lasting and deeply traumatic. According to criminologists, resolving such cases could help restore faith in the justice system while offering some semblance of peace to grieving families. Sharon Johnson, a criminology professor at a local university explained, “Closure in these cases is not just about legal resolution but also about community healing.”
Efforts to solve cold cases like that of Princella Eppes have historically been hampered by limited resources and the continuous influx of new cases demanding immediate attention. However, advancements in forensic technology and increased public awareness campaigns have started to turn the tide.
Community support can be crucial. Neighbor and long-time resident, Linda Horne, who has lived next to the apartment where Eppes was killed, recalls the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. “It was a shock to all of us, something you never forget. That billboard, I think, is a very good idea,” Horne said. “It reminds us all that justice is still out there waiting for Princella.”
The Eppes family remains intimately involved in the case, regularly contacting investigators and organizing public appeals for information. “We’re doing everything we can—no matter how much time has passed,” said Maria Eppes, a cousin of Princella. “We owe it to her, to remember and to fight for justice.”
The local police department encourages anyone with information, no matter how trivial it may seem, to come forward. Information that once might not have seemed relevant could prove critical under the new light shed by technological progresses in crime-solving.
As years continue to pass, the resolution of Princella Eppes’ case grows more pressing. It remains a poignant reminder of the work that needs to be done to ensure that the victims of unresolved crimes are not forgotten and that justice is pursued, regardless of the passage of time.