Monday will mark 40 years since a local celebrity was found mortally wounded along the side of Route 30 in Absecon.
But it's still unknown who attacked Raul Suarez — better known as "Cooks Books" — and left him to die on March 31, 1985.
Raul Suarez — better known as "Cooks Books" — was found mortally wounded March 31, 1985, in the eastbound lanes of Route 30 in Absecon.
His nephew, Atlantic County Undersheriff Mario Suarez, seems hopeful that there could be some new information leading to a suspect. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office has not released any new information.
He even has put up a $10,000 reward for any tip leading to the arrest and conviction of his uncle's killer.
Several years ago, Suarez also helped start a Facebook page asking for help in solving the crime.
Cooks Books was a local celebrity, hosting a local radio show and emceeing at Atlantic City's 500 Club.
It was in his position as a cabdriver that things turned deadly.
He had been stabbed multiple times before winding up in the road near the Crest Motel.
Witnesses reported seeing Raul Suarez at the side of his taxicab before walking onto the roadway and collapsing.
One witness reported seeing a struggle inside the taxicab before Suarez walked into the street.
Unknown individuals then drove off in the cab.
The car — with his motto of "Everyday is a miracle" — would be found abandoned in the 800 block of North Michigan Avenue in Atlantic City.
"The Prosecutor's Office has been getting closer but there are still some missing pieces," Undersheriff Suarez wrote of his uncle's case in a Facebook post Sunday.
Raul Suarez was more than an uncle to the young Mario. He became a father to his nephew when Mario Suarez was about 3. The younger Suarez was 17 when his uncle was killed.
"The murder changed the course of my life," he previously told BreakingAC. "It made me who I am today."
He does not know anyone who would have wanted to harm his uncle.
"He was the sweetest, gentle, generous, humble, friendliest man I ever met," Mario Suarez wrote on Facebook. "He had no enemies. This was a random killing that has haunted my family for now 40 years."
Anyone with information about the killing is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 to speak with a member of the Major Crimes Unit.
The public can also log onto the Prosecutor’s Office’s Website at ACPO.Tips and provide information by filling out a form anonymously.
Mario Suarez also invited anyone to call him directly with any information at the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office at 609-909-7200. He also can be emailed at Suarez_mario@aclink.org.
He promises anonymity for anyone coming forward.
Crime Stoppers also takes anonymous tips. Call 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County
