A military veteran and his wife were found dead in their Reform, Alabama, home during a burglary early Sunday morning. George Birmingham, 46, has been arrested and faces charges including capital murder and burglary in connection with their deaths.
The Pickens County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at 12:15 a.m. Sunday where they discovered Justin Elrod, a military veteran, and his wife, Lena Elrod, deceased. Court records indicate Birmingham is accused of using an electric saw to kill Lena Elrod and striking Justin Elrod in the head with a metallic object.
Authorities stated that Birmingham was an acquaintance of the Elrods, though a motive for the killings has not yet been established. He also faces additional drug-related charges.
Friends and former colleagues remembered Justin Elrod as a hardworking individual. Aliceville Mayor Terrence Windham described him as a humble person who had survived military service and work in a federal prison, only to be killed in this incident. Jason Burns, a former co-worker of Justin Elrod at a federal prison, expressed disbelief at his friend's death.
The sheriff's office has requested that the public keep the victims' families, those affected by the tragedy, and the first responders in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.