Alabama Man Accused of Decapitating Relatives Threatens Lawyer in Court
Thomas Steele, 47, faces capital murder charges after his grandmother and aunt were found dead; he was ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation.
An Alabama man accused of decapitating his grandmother and aunt with a chainsaw made a chilling remark in court, telling a judge, "Kill him," when a lawyer was appointed to his case. Thomas Henry Steele, 47, is facing capital murder charges after his grandmother, Dora Boone, 85, and aunt, Christy Deloach, 65, were found dead in their Mobile home on Monday. Hours before the discovery, Deloach had called 911 reporting that Steele, who she said has bipolar disorder, was off his medication and exhibiting bizarre behavior.
According to a 911 transcript, Deloach told dispatchers that Steele had given away his phone and car and was planning to live without electronics, stating, "He says he's just going to live for God and not going to have any kind of electronics." She expressed uncertainty about how to proceed but noted that Steele was calm and not violent at the time.
Police arrived at the residence approximately three hours after the 911 call and discovered a gruesome scene. Steele was found outside the home, reportedly appearing unbothered. Investigators allege that Steele used a chainsaw to decapitate both women. A woman with special needs was also present in the home but was unharmed.
Steele was arrested at the scene and appeared in Mobile County Circuit Court on Tuesday. When public defender Glen Davidson was assigned to his case, Steele responded, "No," followed by, "Kill him." His attorney, Davidson, stated that Steele appeared to be in a state of psychosis and has significant mental health issues, adding that he still intends to represent him. Steele remains in jail without bond.
Judge Wesley Pipes ordered Steele to undergo a mental competency evaluation, a process that could take 30 to 90 days. Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood confirmed that the evaluation will determine Steele's competency to proceed with the court system. If deemed competent, a second evaluation will assess his mental state at the time of the alleged killings. Blackwood noted that legal procedures are in place to ensure public safety, even if a defense of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect is pursued.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community. Lenny Zanghi, owner of the hair salon where Deloach worked for over 15 years, described her as a "beautiful person" and expressed disbelief and heartbreak over the killings.
Steele has not yet entered a plea. His attorney indicated that a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity is possible, stating, "all signs indicate yes."