Man arrested on corpse abuse charges in Montevallo
Share and Follow


MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — A 56-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges in Montevallo Tuesday.

According to court records, John Collum was charged with first-degree hindering prosecution, corpse abuse and tampering with physical evidence.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Oscar De Santiago, 36, of Pelham, was reported missing to the Montevallo Police Department on June 18. During the investigation, the 2000 block of Randolph Road was observed as a location of interest. A vehicle was recovered in this area, as well as unidentified human remains. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences will perform an autopsy to determine the individual’s identity.

Collum is accused of burying the human remains and Ford Ranger truck belonging to Oscar De Santiago Soto. He allegedly put them in a hole with a backhoe and set them on fire. He is in custody with a $36,000 bond.

No further information is available as the investigation is ongoing. Findings will be turned over to the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy students to attend audience with Pope Leo, Chicago native, at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City

Students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy to Meet Chicago-Born Pope Leo at Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square

CHICAGO (WLS) — On a beautiful Tuesday evening in St. Peter’s Square…
Staffing shortages cause more US flight delays as government shutdown reaches 7th day

Flight Delays in the US Worsen Due to Staffing Shortages Amid Week-Long Government Shutdown

Staffing shortages led to more flight delays at airports across the U.S.…
Elise Stefanik just 5 points behind Kathy Hochul in NY governor's race: internal poll

Internal Poll Shows Elise Stefanik Nearly Ties Kathy Hochul in New York Governor’s Race, Trailing by Just 5 Points

New York Governor Kathy Hochul maintains a slender lead of just five…
Government shutdown impacts U.S. air travel

U.S. Air Travel Affected by Government Shutdown

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Two years after Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre, 48 hostages — dead and alive — remain in captivity

Two years after Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre, 48 hostages — dead and alive — remain in captivity

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Two years after Hamas…
AG Pam Bondi testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Jackine L. Austin ID'd as driver killed after piece of metal crashes through windshield on Dan Ryan, officials say

Jackine L. Austin Identified as Driver Fatally Struck by Metal Debris Through Windshield on Dan Ryan Expressway, Authorities Confirm

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Tuesday, October 7, 2025 11:51AM Illinois State Police…
Durbin: Bondi 'weaponized' Department of Justice

Durbin Accuses Bondi of Politicizing the Justice Department

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,…