An Alabama resident faces charges in connection with the deaths of a military veteran and his spouse, despite appearing to portray them as close friends on social media over the years.
Authorities apprehended George Birmingham, 46, early Sunday following the alleged murder of Justin and Lena Elrod, discovered deceased around 12:15 a.m. amid burglary reports. Birmingham’s social media activity paints a picture of closeness with the Elrods, having posted affectionate tributes as recently as June 16.
An examination of Facebook posts by News Media indicates a relationship of approximately ten years between Birmingham and the Elrods, with mentions of the couple stretching back nearly a decade.
Justin and Lena Elrod captured at a picturesque viewpoint. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
On June 16, Birmingham shared a Facebook post pondering a hypothetical Mars mission, listing friends and family he’d like to accompany him, including Justin and Lena Elrod. He lauded Justin as an excellent listener and Lena as enjoyable to debate with, concluding with a heartfelt “I love you guys!”
“Now that I think about it, they probably wouldnt want our tribe,” Birmingham wrote as he jokingly ended the post. “But im very thankful for them.”
A June 16 Facebook post from George Birmingham names Justin and Lena Elrod among those he’d want along on a hypothetical Mars trip, writing “no one listens better than him, and no one is more fun to argue with than her.” (George Birmingham/Facebook)
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)
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.