Huntsville, AL, January 5, 2026
The unsolved murder of 27-year-old Andrew Gilliam in Huntsville has left authorities seeking public assistance to identify a suspect. Gilliam was shot while sleeping in his apartment three years ago, with no arrests made despite investigations. His family continues to plead for justice and encourages anyone with information to come forward as the police increase the reward for significant information to $26,000.
Huntsville Man’s Murder Unsolved Three Years On, Authorities Urge Public Assistance
Huntsville, AL – The murder of 27-year-old Andrew Gilliam in Huntsville remains unsolved three years after he was tragically shot and killed while sleeping in his apartment. On January 4, 2023, Gilliam’s life was cut short when a bullet pierced his window at the Sunlake at Edgewater apartments, striking him in his bed. Despite numerous leads explored by the Huntsville Police Department, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been identified in connection with his death. Authorities are once again appealing to the public for any information that could lead to a breakthrough in this enduring cold case.
Circumstances of the Unsolved Homicide
The fatal shooting occurred in the early morning hours of January 4, 2023. Multiple bullets reportedly struck the apartment building, with one specifically entering Gilliam’s bedroom through his window. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Investigators have indicated that they do not believe Andrew Gilliam was the intended target of the gunfire. The apartment complex, located off of Research Park Boulevard South of I-565, became the scene of one of Huntsville’s first violent crimes of that year.
Family’s Enduring Plea for Justice and Closure
The family of Andrew Gilliam continues to grapple with immense grief and a desperate need for answers. His father, Jeff Gilliam, has publicly expressed the profound difficulty of the past three years, describing the loss as if it happened yesterday. The family believes that new information from the public is crucial to solving the case and bringing the perpetrator to justice. Gilliam’s uncle, Vic Hartman, has emphasized the family’s hope that someone with knowledge of this random act of violence will come forward. They seek not only closure for themselves but also to ensure that the individual responsible is removed from the streets of Huntsville, preventing further harm to others.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Reward
The Huntsville Police Department confirms that the investigation into Andrew Gilliam’s murder is still active and ongoing. While law enforcement has explored numerous leads since the tragic event, they are in crucial need of public assistance to advance the case. To encourage individuals with information to come forward, a reward has been offered. The reward for information leading to an arrest in Gilliam’s murder has been increased to up to $26,000. Anyone with details regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Huntsville Police Department or Crime Stoppers, where tips can be submitted anonymously.
Andrew Gilliam’s Legacy
Andrew Gilliam, at just 27 years old, was a bright young engineer who had achieved his childhood dream. He was a rocket engineer, contributing to projects at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and even playing a role in the Artemis 1 launch in 2022. His life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a wife who was sleeping next to him during the shooting. His family finds some comfort in his faith but emphasizes the profound pain of knowing his killer remains at large.
The Broader Challenge of Unsolved Cases
The unsolved murder of Andrew Gilliam highlights the broader challenges faced by communities across the nation when dealing with cold cases. Unsolved crimes can be particularly difficult to resolve due to the passage of time and potential lack of available evidence, leaving families without closure for years or even decades. In Huntsville alone, there have been more than sixty persons reported missing or murdered since 1980, with many of these cases remaining without arrests or identified perpetrators. Nationwide, organizations like the National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs) list almost 151,000 missing or unidentified individuals, underscoring the widespread nature of such unresolved mysteries. Investigators often rely on technological advancements or new witness testimony to crack these cases, emphasizing the vital role of public cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest news regarding the Andrew Gilliam murder case?
As of January 4, 2026, three years have passed since the unsolved murder of Andrew Gilliam in Huntsville, with no arrests made and no suspects identified. Authorities are continuing to seek public assistance.
When and where did Andrew Gilliam’s murder occur?
Andrew Gilliam was shot and killed in the early morning hours of January 4, 2023, while sleeping in his apartment at the Sunlake at Edgewater apartments in Huntsville.
Was Andrew Gilliam the intended target of the shooting?
Huntsville police investigators believe that Andrew Gilliam was not the intended target of the attack.
Is there a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case?
Yes, there is a reward of up to $26,000 for information that leads to an arrest in connection with Andrew Gilliam’s murder.
What was Andrew Gilliam’s profession?
Andrew Gilliam was a rocket engineer who contributed to projects at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and had a role in the Artemis 1 launch in 2022.
Key Features of the Andrew Gilliam Unsolved Murder Case
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Andrew Gilliam | Local |
| Date of Murder | January 4, 2023 | Local |
| Location | Sunlake at Edgewater apartments, Huntsville, AL | Local |
| Current Status | Unsolved; no arrests or suspects identified | Local |
| Time Elapsed | 3 years (as of January 4, 2026) | Local |
| Police Theory | Victim not believed to be the intended target | Local |
| Reward Offered | Up to $26,000 for information leading to an arrest | Local |
| Call for Action | Public assistance urged by Huntsville Police Department | Local |
| Profession | Rocket Engineer (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center) | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
