Tragedy struck in Alabama as a military veteran and his wife fell victim to a horrific burglary, officials revealed.
Authorities have arrested a 46-year-old man accused of murdering a couple, Justin and Lena Elrod, in their home in Reform, Alabama. The couple was found deceased at around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, following a burglary report. The suspect, George Birmingham, now faces charges in connection with their deaths, according to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.
Birmingham has been charged with one count of capital murder, two counts of murder, burglary, and additional drug-related offenses.
Military veteran Justin Elrod and his wife, Lena, were discovered deceased inside their home in Reform, Alabama, on Sunday. (Lena Elrod/Facebook)
Court documents suggest Birmingham allegedly used an electric saw to kill Lena Elrod, while Justin Elrod was fatally injured by a blow to the head with a metallic 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)
The sheriff’s office said Birmingham was accused of killing the husband and wife before the burglary inside their home.
According to WBRC, a motive hasn’t been established, but 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.