Cold Case Murder Of Atlantic City Celebrity 'Cooks Books' Re-Examined 40 Years Later

Investigators in Atlantic County are asking for help in solving the murder of a local celebrity in Atlantic City nearly 40 years ago, authorities said.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is looking for new information about the 1985 killing of Raul Sanchez, who was known by the nickname "Cooks Books."
Photo Credit: *Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office*

Chris Spiker

03/27/2024 2:06 p.m.

In a news release on Wednesday, March 27, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office asked for public assistance in the investigation into the 1985 killing of Raul Sanchez. He was known to many as "Cooks Books."

Suarez earned the nickname while he was an emcee at the 500 Club in Atlantic City. He was also a radio show host and a taxicab driver.

Suarez was found dead in the eastbound lanes of Route 30 near Crest Motel in Absecon at around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 31, 1985. Investigators learned he was stabbed several times.

Witnesses told police they saw Suarez at the side of his taxi before walking onto the road and collapsing. One witness reported seeing a fight inside the taxi before Suarez walked into the road.

Unknown people drove off in the taxi. It was found abandoned on the 800 block of North Michigan Avenue in Atlantic City.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office also said anyone with information about the cold case should call the office's major crimes unit at 609-909-7800. You can also file an anonymous tip online at ACPO.tips.

You can also call the Crime Stoppers of Atlantic County at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Saddle Brook-Elmwood Park and receive free news updates.