Thelma Joyce Drake Case Files

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Alabama Public Records , I hereby request the following records:

I am requesting all case files and documents related to the unsolved murder of Thelma Joyce Sanders Drake, who was murdered on January 7, 1970 in Falkville, Alabama (Morgan County). Her body was found the same day she went missing off a roadside embankment in Eva, Alabama. I understand this is an open investigation, but I also understand that the case is inactive and very cold for the last 49 years. This means that Ms. Drake's murder will likely not be solved unless someone is proactively trying to solve it. I am a friend of Ms. Drake's family and I have discovered a lot of information about Ms. Drake's murder that needs to be verified by comparing it to the case files. However, I have been told by a former Alabama state investigator, Robert Hancock, that it's his opinion that all files associated with Ms. Drake's murder are missing or have been inadvertently destroyed. If nothing else, I need to know if the case files are still in existence. If the files are still in existence, I am requesting a copy of the files. If that request is denied, then I would like to request a copy of the files in a redacted version so I will know for sure that the files are still in existence. Ms. Drake still has many family members and friends who have not given up hope that her murder can still be solved or the truth can finally be known.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.

Sincerely,

Bradley A. Golson

I would like to know if the case files and evidence still exist in this case. Can you provide a redacted version?