Suspect Charged With Capital Murder For Pickens County Double Homicide

REFORM, AL — A Pickens County man has been charged with capital murder and multiple other offenses after investigators say he killed two people before allegedly committing a burglary early Sunday morning.

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Pickens County Sheriff Jordan Powell said deputies were dispatched at approximately 12:15 a.m. July 12 to the 1800 block of County Road 49 for a reported burglary in progress.

Powell said deputies responded alongside officers from the Reform, Gordo and Carrollton police departments, as well as investigators with the 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office.

He then said when officers arrived, they located the suspect vehicle and took 46-year-old Reform native George Clayton Birmingham into custody in connection with the burglary investigation.

As investigators continued gathering evidence, they determined Birmingham had allegedly committed a double homicide at a residence on Langdon Woods Road before the reported burglary.

Powell said deputies responded to that residence and found 43-year-old Justin Elrod and 42-year-old Lena Elrod dead.

Court documents obtained by Patch state that investigators believe Lena Elrod was struck in the head with a reciprocating saw, while Justin Elrod was reportedly stabbed to death with a "metallic object."

The Pickens County coroner later responded to the scene, and investigators concluded that the suspect already in custody for the burglary was responsible for both killings.

Following consultation with the 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office and a review of the evidence, Powell said Birmingham was formally charged Monday with the following offenses:

• Capital murder
• Two counts of murder
• Burglary, second degree
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of marijuana
• Resisting arrest

Powell said Birmingham is being held in the Pickens County Jail without bond for capital murder.

He then said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional charges could be filed as investigators continue reviewing the case.

"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," 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin said.

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