An Alabama man charged in the killings of a military veteran and his wife had posted warmly about the couple and their family for years, suggesting a close friendship, according to social media posts.
George Birmingham, 46, was taken into custody early Sunday after authorities say he killed Justin Elrod and Lena Elrod. The couple were found dead at 12:15 a.m. after reports of a burglary. Birmingham’s social media activity indicates he had a long-standing relationship with the Elrods and had praised them as recently as June 16.
Facebook posts reviewed by INC News show Birmingham and the couple appeared to share a friendship spanning roughly 10 years, with references to the Elrods dating back nearly a decade.
Justin and Lena Elrod are seen together at a scenic overlook. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
In a June 16 Facebook post, Birmingham wrote about a fictional trip to colonize Mars and listed the relatives and friends he would want with him, including Justin and Lena Elrod. He said “no one listens better than him, and no one is more fun to argue with than her,” then ended the post by writing, “I love you guys!”
“Now that I think about it, they probably wouldnt want our tribe,” Birmingham added jokingly at the end of the post. “But im very thankful for them.”
In a June 16 Facebook post, George Birmingham included Justin and Lena Elrod among the people he would want on a hypothetical Mars trip, writing that “no one listens better than him, and no one is more fun to argue with than her.” (George Birmingham/Facebook)
George Birmingham, 46, is facing capital murder and other charges in connection with the deaths of Justin and Lena Elrod, according to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. (Pickens County Sheriff’s Office)
In February 2017, Birmingham also shared information about a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses for one of the Elrod’s children, writing, “This family is very dear to my heart.” That May, Birmingham even hosted a benefit comedy show to help further with medical expenses for the Elrod’s
Friends described Justin Elrod as a hard worker who survived his military service only to be killed in the alleged burglary. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
Birmingham also referenced the Elrod family in a June 2018 post, writing “Some of my favorite ladies,” alongside a photo that included one of the Elrods daughters.
According to WBRC, a motive hasn’t been established, but authorities said Birmingham was an “acquaintance” of the Elrods.
Justin and Lena Elrod take a selfie in front of a “With Love From Memphis” mural during a trip to Tennessee. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
Court records indicate Birmingham was accused of killing Lena Elrod with an electric saw and stabbed or struck Justin Elrod in the head with a metallic object.
Aliceville Mayor Terrence Windham described Justin Elrod as a hard worker who was humble.
Justin Elrod, a military veteran, and his wife, Lena, were found dead at their Reform, Alabama, home Sunday. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
“He was a very humble guy, and he was the last person that I would think that something like this would happen to,” Windham said. “He survived the military, survived working in the prison, and now, this situation, it just makes it even worse.”
Birmingham is also the suspect in a separate burglary that happened before he allegedly killed the Elrods’, authorities said.
Birmingham was arrested on charges of one count of capital murder, two counts of murder, one count of burglary and additional drug-related charges, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20.
