Whenever a felony has been committed and the perpetrator thereof is unknown or when, being known, he absconds before being arrested or escapes from custody, either before or after conviction, the Governor is authorized, in his discretion, to offer by proclamation a reward not exceeding $5,000.00 for the apprehension or rearrest of such person within five years from the date of such proclamation, and to draw his warrant on the State Treasurer for the amount of such reward, when necessary to be paid.
Ala. Code § 15-9-3 (1975)