A reward of $20,000 is now being offered in the death of a Pell City woman who was fatally run over while trying to foil a series of car break-ins.
Rebekah Poe, 46, was killed Sunday night in the area of Funderburg Lane and Skyline Trail.
Police said it was just before 7:30 p.m. when Poe, who served at her church and was a longtime beloved employee at Waffle House, confronted suspects who had just broken into vehicles at a residence on Skyline Trail.
She was struck and killed as the suspect fled the scene.
Pell City police on Wednesday said a $20,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Authorities described Poe’s death as a “murder.”
Police believe the two people responsible were driving a dark, possibly black, Dodge Charger, traveling in the direction of Stemley Bridge Road in Pell City.
The driver is described as a young white woman in her twenties, with dark hair, wearing glasses.
The passenger is described as a young white man in his twenties, with short blonde or light brown hair.
Police attributed the increase in the Crime Stoppers reward to Pell City business leaders, civic leaders and residents.
“In times of tragedy, Pell City always comes together,’’ police said in a Facebook post. “We protect each other and always care for our community.”
A GoFundMe was also launched Tuesday for Poe’s family. She leaves behind a husband and two daughters.
“Rebekah showed love and kindness towards everyone that she encountered. She served her community, her church, and her family,’’ the campaign reads. “Everything she did in life was with purpose and hard work.”
“There was never a time you didn’t see her with a smile. She was employed by Waffle House for 30 years, and everyone that walked in was greeted with love and a smiling face,’’ according to the GoFundMe.
“She served at Cropwell Baptist Church and was behind the scenes of many of its mission efforts. Our community was better with her in it. We are all thankful to know that she served and loved our Lord and is now in His presence.”
Anyone with information, videos, or pictures is asked to contact Sgt. Justin Cooper at 205-884-3334 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.