Suspect Held in Brutal Slaying of Alabama Couple

A 46-year-old man faces murder charges after a veteran and his wife were found dead in their Reform, Alabama home.

Suspect Held in Brutal Slaying of Alabama Couple

A married pair in their early forties were discovered lifeless inside their Reform dwelling, and a man in his mid-forties is now facing accusations.

George Birmingham, aged 46, was taken into custody shortly after midnight on Sunday. Pickens County deputies had responded to a reported burglary. During questioning, they connected him to the deaths of Justin Elrod, 43, and Lena Elrod, 42.

Court documents suggest Birmingham used a metal item to strike the husband on the head. He is also accused of employing a power saw in the wife's death.

The accused was placed in the county lockup. Investigators noted he knew the victims but have not established why the attack occurred.

Justin Elrod served in the armed forces and later worked at a nearby federal penitentiary. Those who worked with him remembered him as quiet, reliable, and even-tempered. The mayor of Aliceville, Terrence Windham, called the tragedy deeply shocking given Elrod's background.

Coworkers said they are struggling to process the loss. Jason Burns, who worked alongside Elrod, described the emotional toll on those close to the couple.

Source: KEYC News Now

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)