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PICKENS COUNTY, Ala. (BFMG) — A man has been arrested and charged with capital murder and multiple other offenses after authorities say he killed a husband and wife at their home in Reform and committed a separate burglary nearby over the weekend.
According to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 12:15 a.m. Sunday, July 12, to reports of a burglary in progress in the 1800 block of County Road 49. Additional law enforcement agencies also went to the scene. When officers arrived, they found a suspect and his vehicle and took the man — later identified as George Birmingham — into custody in connection with the burglary.
While questioning Birmingham, investigators learned he might be linked to a double homicide on Langdon Woods Road in Reform that occurred within the same time frame. At that home, authorities found Justin and Lena Elrod dead. Pickens County Sheriff Jordan Powell said the two were husband and wife.
Court records indicate Birmingham allegedly used a metallic object to stab or strike Justin Elrod in the head and used an electric saw to kill Lena Elrod. Powell described Birmingham as an “acquaintance” of the Elrods and said that while investigators have not yet determined a motive, he does not believe the killings were a random act.
On Monday, July 13, Birmingham was formally charged with capital murder, two counts of murder, second-degree burglary, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.
Powell said there was no ongoing danger to the general public but stressed the importance of getting Birmingham into custody quickly. He praised the work of his deputies and the district attorney’s office, noting officers were on scene throughout the night.
“They took him into custody before anything else could happen, and I want to thank the men and women who worked countless hours without sleep to make sure justice will be served,” Powell said. “I want to remind the community he is in custody and there is no threat to the public.”
In addition to the sheriff’s office, agencies responding to the burglary included the 24th Judicial Circuit district attorney’s office, Reform Police, Gordo Police and Carrollton Police. Authorities said the burglary and the homicides occurred within about 45 minutes of each other. The victims of the home burglary were not injured and are safe, Powell said, adding that more charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Birmingham was booked into the Pickens County Jail and, according to the arrest warrant, is being held without bond.
