TUSCUMBIA — Gov. Robert Bentley approved a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of an elderly Tuscumbia man who was killed in his home this summer.

Elbert Farley “Possum” Davis Jr., 88, was killed during a home invasion at his residence on High Street. A friend found his body Aug. 28 at the bottom of the basement stairs. He was flown to Huntsville Hospital where he died the next day.

Assistant Colbert County District Attorney Angela Hulsey said the office was notified Wednesday that the governor agreed to provide the reward.

State law allows the governor’s office to offer reward money to aid in the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of certain crimes, including homicides.

“We applied to the governor’s office, asking for his assistance in offering a monetary reward,” Hulsey said.

Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan told the TimesDaily in November that a reward could assist in the investigation.

Hulsey urged anyone with information about the case to call the Tuscumbia Police Department at 256-383-3121.

Hulsey said the investigation into Davis’ death continues, but there was no new information she could disclose at this time.

Investigators said Davis likely confronted an intruder in the basement. Logan said a tool was used to break into the back of the house. He said Davis could have died during a struggle.

Davis was known to sometimes carry cash in his pocket, but there wasn’t any found. His wallet was stolen along with some medication.

Hulsey said she hopes the reward will produce the needed information to solve the case.

Russ Corey can be reached at 256-740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.