NASCAR Tries to Solve Gables Cold Case

It is placed on rear deck of car number 87. When NASCAR rookie-of-the-year Kevin Conway powers his way around the Homestead Miami Speedway the TV cameras and fans in the stands will see a picture of Coral Gables Police Officer Walter Strather.

Strather was gunned down on a early December morning in 1967. His killer has never been found. His is the ultimate 44 year-old cold case.

"We love it," says Miami-Dade Police Detective Maria Mederos of the unique way of publicizing the case.

Stather's son Wayne says nothing much in the way of clues or leads came from the investigation. He has a connection with racing and his dad. They often went to races together at the old Hialeah Race track.

"The races were great and the fights afterwards were even better," says Stather remembering his special moments with his father.

"NASCAR contacted me and asked about my father's case," Stather recalls.

The ExtenZe  race team picks a cold case in every city where they race.

"To be able to feature Walter Strather means a lot to us, "says Kevin Conway, "it is our way of giving back to the communities that support us."

Wayne Stather and his wife are spending the weekend at the track taking in all the races. They will watch Kevin Conway try and come out a winner. They are rooting hard for him with the hope that just maybe somebody with see the picture of Walter Stather and the Crime Stoppers number on the back of car 87. Maybe a memory will be refreshed and provide the lead that will bring down a cop killer.

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