Military veteran and his wife were killed during a robbery in Alabama
Authorities arrested a 46-year-old man on charges of capital murder, manslaughter and home invasion.
A military veteran and his wife were murdered inside their home in the town of Reform, Alabama, in a case that authorities are investigating as a robbery with homicide.
The Pickens County Sheriff's Office reported that Justin Elrod and Lena Elrod were found dead around 12:15 a.m. Sunday, after a report of burglary at the residence.
The suspect, George Birmingham, 46, was arrested and faces one count of capital murder, two counts of murder, one count of home invasion and other drug charges.
Accusations about the way the homicides occurred
According to court documents cited by local media, Birmingham is accused of killing Lena Elrod using a chainsaw.
In the case of Justin Elrod, records indicate that he was stabbed or hit in the head with a metal object.
The sheriff's office indicated that the suspect allegedly murdered the couple before committing the robbery inside the home.
According to local television station WBRC, authorities have not yet established a clear motive for the crime.
However, investigators noted that Birmingham was an “acquaintance” of the Elrods, suggesting that there was some type of prior relationship between the defendant and the victims.
“He survived the army and prison”
Aliceville Mayor Terrence Windham remembered Justin Elrod as a hard-working and humble man.
“He was a very humble man and the last person I would have thought something like that could happen to,” Windham said.
“He survived the army, he survived working in the prison and now this situation makes it even worse,” he added.
Justin Elrod worked in a federal prison, where he was Jason Burns' partner.
Burns said he is still having a hard time coming to terms with his friend's death.
“Every five minutes I have that moment,” he said.
The sheriff's office asked for support for the families of the victims and for the first responders who responded to the scene.
“We ask everyone to continue to keep the families of the victims, those affected by this tragedy, and the first responders in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the agency said.