Fredrick Gene Scheinert, 54, was found dead in July 2011 at the Hospitality Inn on 7th Avenue South in Birmingham. He was homeless and frequently stayed at or near the motel. An autopsy determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma and recorded a blood alcohol level of .27.

The investigation focused on Gregory Chancey, 38 at the time, who had lived and worked at the motel for about 15 years and was acquainted with Scheinert; they reportedly spent many weekends drinking together. Witnesses said Scheinert was heavily intoxicated and lying on a concrete slab before Chancey emerged from his room. Chancey was charged with murder, but a September 2014 jury deadlocked and declared a mistrial; nine jurors favored conviction on the lesser count of criminally negligent homicide and three favored not guilty. To avoid retrial, Chancey later pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and was sentenced to one year, with six months to be served in Jefferson County Jail. The defense noted the medical examiner testified the fatal injury could have resulted from blunt force trauma or a fall.

Does anyone have information about Scheinert’s last known movements at the motel or about witnesses who saw him that day?