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PICKENS COUNTY, Ala. (BFMG) — A man has been arrested in connection with the killing of a husband and wife who were found dead inside their home in Pickens County, authorities said.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said 46-year-old George Birmingham was taken into custody early Sunday during a reported burglary around 12:15 a.m. While questioning him, investigators linked Birmingham to the deaths of Justin and Lena Elrod, ages 43 and 42, respectively.
The couple was discovered dead at their home in the town of Reform.
Birmingham was arrested on multiple charges, including murder, and remains held in the Pickens County Jail, according to authorities.
Court records allege Birmingham used a metallic object to strike or stab Justin Elrod and an electric saw to kill Lena Elrod.
Investigators said Monday they are still working to determine a motive but described Birmingham as an “acquaintance” of the couple.
Community Reaction
Friends, colleagues and local leaders described the killings as shocking and devastating for the community.
Justin Elrod, a military veteran, previously worked in law enforcement and was employed at a federal prison in Aliceville, according to officials and coworkers.
Jason Burns, who worked with Elrod, said the loss has been difficult to process.
“About every five minutes,” Burns said. “About every five minutes, I’m having that moment.”
Burns and others described Elrod as humble, steady and dependable.
Aliceville Mayor Terrence Windham said Elrod was known for his calm demeanor and strong work ethic.
“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.”
Those who knew Lena Elrod described her as a kind and decent person, though many said they were less familiar with her than with her husband.
Burns said the impact of the couple’s deaths will linger among those who knew them.
“As co-workers, we’re not going to move on,” he said. “This will be something we’ll be reminded of until we retire or even after.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
