Absecon Killing Still Unsolved 34 Years Later: ACPO

ABSECON, N.J. — The fatal stabbing of a cabdriver and television host in Absecon remains a cold case 34 years later. Raul "Cooks Books" Suarez was found dead on this date, March 31, 1985, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.

The case remains under investigation every day, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner.

"Cooks Books was a very revered member of our community and that his murder has gone unsolved for so many years is a sad tragedy for his family and the greater Atlantic City region alike," Tyner said. "The family and community should know that there are dedicated investigators committed to learning the truth about his homicide."

An investigation revealed that in the early-morning hours that day, Suarez was stabbed to death during an apparent armed robbery while operating a personal taxi cab, the ACPO said.

Suarez, 51, was pushed from the cab, a 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, which displayed his nickname, "Cook Books," written along the trunk in yellow letters with a black background. The cab also displayed his slogan "Every day is a Miracle," written across the trunk with black stick-on letters.

Absecon police received a report of a man lying in the eastbound lane of Route 30 at 1:45 a.m. that night. His vehicle was observed traveling eastbound into Atlantic City, possibly occupied by two black males, the ACPO said. Suarez's cab was found at 5:40 a.m. on the 800 block of North Michigan Avenue in Atlantic City.

Over 160 people have been interviewed during this investigation, the ACPO said. Tyner encourages anyone with information to speak with law enforcement.

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