A military veteran and his wife were brutally killed during an apparent burglary at their Alabama home, authorities said.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said 46-year-old George Birmingham was taken into custody after Justin Elrod and his wife, Lena Elrod, were found dead early Sunday inside their home in Reform, Alabama. Deputies discovered the couple at about 12:15 a.m. after receiving reports of a burglary, officials said.
Birmingham has been charged with one count of capital murder, two counts of murder, one count of burglary and additional drug-related offenses, according to authorities.
Justin Elrod, a military veteran, and his wife, Lena, were found dead at their Reform, Alabama, home Sunday. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
Court documents allege Birmingham killed Lena Elrod with an electric saw and either stabbed or struck Justin Elrod in the head with a metal object.
George Birmingham, 46, faces capital murder and additional charges in the deaths of Justin and Lena Elrod, according to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. (Pickens County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators said Birmingham is accused of killing the husband and wife before committing the burglary inside their residence.
A motive has not been determined, WBRC reported, though authorities said Birmingham was an “acquaintance” of the Elrods.
Friends described Justin Elrod as a hard worker who survived his military service only to be killed in the alleged burglary. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
Aliceville Mayor Terrence Windham described Justin Elrod as a hard worker who was humble.
“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.”
Jason Burns, who worked with Justin Elrod at a federal prison, said he’s still at a loss that his friend was killed.
Justin and Lena Elrod were remembered by friends and coworkers as a devoted couple. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
“About every five minutes,” Burns said. “About every five minutes, I’m having that moment.”
“We ask everyone to continue keeping the victims’ families, those affected by this tragedy, and the responding first responders in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said.
