Elizabeth Peterson, 64, known as Liz and also recorded as Liz Sutherland, was found shot to death the night of Saturday, December 15, 2018, at an apartment complex on 17th Avenue South in Birmingham’s Southside. She had recently moved from Port Glasgow, Scotland, to Birmingham to live with her American husband but was believed to be estranged and had moved into the apartment only weeks before the killing. She worked at the Children of Alabama medical center and was studying social work.

Residents reported hearing a verbal argument involving Elizabeth and an unknown person, followed by gunshots. Officers arriving on scene found her unresponsive next to her car; Birmingham Fire and Rescue pronounced her dead. Her niece later said she had been shot twice at point-blank range in the chest and head. Police have said robbery does not appear to be a motive, none of her belongings were taken, and despite public appeals no arrests or publicly identified suspects have been announced and the case remains unsolved.

If anyone saw activity near 17th Avenue South that night or knew Elizabeth’s movements or contacts after her move to the apartment, please contact the Birmingham Police Department with any information.