Prosecutor Seeks Help in Cold Case Murder of “Cooks Books”

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"Cooks Books" Raul Suarez

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in its continuing investigation of the 1985 murder of Raul Suarez, known to many at the time of his death as “Cooks Books.”

At the time of his murder, Suarez was a bit of a local celebrity, having earned the moniker while working as emcee at Atlantic City’s 500 Club. The nickname followed him during his work as a local radio show host. Suarez was also a taxicab driver.

On March 31, 1985, at approximately 1:50 a.m., a mortally wounded Raul Suarez was located in the eastbound lanes of Route 30, in the vicinity of the Crest Motel, 301 E. Absecon Blvd., Absecon. It would later be determined that Suarez had been stabbed multiple times.

“Cooks Books” car. (Photo courtesy of ACPO)

Witnesses reported seeing Suarez at the side of his taxicab before walking onto the roadway and collapsing. One witness reported seeing a struggle inside the taxicab before the wounded Suarez walked into the street. Unknown individuals drove off in Suarez’s taxicab, which would later be recovered abandoned in the 800-block of N. Michigan Ave. in Atlantic City.

Thirty-nine years after the murder of Suarez the investigation continues and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office renews calls for assistance from the public in identifying suspects.

Anyone with information 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 www.acpo.org/tips and provide information by filling out a form anonymously.

Anyone with information can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.