Funerals planned for Alabama couple brutally killed in their home
Justin Elrod, 43, and Lena Elrod, 42, were beaten to death during a July 11 burglary at their Pickens County home.
Ethan Parker 
Funeral arrangements have been finalized for an Alabama couple whose lives were tragically cut short in their own home.
Justin Elrod, 43, and Lena Elrod, 42, were discovered beaten to death on July 12 at their residence in Pickens County.
Remembering the Victims
Justin Elrod was a dedicated public servant, working as a federal corrections officer at FCI Aliceville. He was also a U.S. Army veteran who completed tours of duty as a military police officer in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Lena Elrod was remembered by those who knew her as someone who, according to her obituary, truly loved life and lived it to the fullest every day.
The Investigation and Charges
Authorities were initially alerted to the area on July 12 after deputies from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, alongside police from Reform, Gordo, and Carrollton, responded to a reported burglary in progress at a home on County Road 49. George Birmingham, 45, was taken into custody at that scene after being found in a vehicle.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives determined that Birmingham had allegedly carried out a double homicide on nearby Langdon Woods Road shortly before the burglary occurred. When deputies reached the Langdon Woods Road home, they discovered the bodies of the Elrods.
Charging documents allege that Birmingham attacked the victims using a metallic object and a reciprocating saw. While investigators have confirmed the victims and the suspect were family friends, no specific motive has been released by law enforcement.
Birmingham remains in custody at the Pickens County Jail. He faces a list of charges including capital murder of two or more people, two counts of murder, second-degree burglary, drug-related offenses, and resisting arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 20.
Funeral Services
A Celebration of Life for Lena Elrod is set for Friday, July 24, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel in Reform, with visitation following the service.
Funeral services for Justin Elrod will take place Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m., also at the Skelton Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at noon.
