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 the Alabama couple who were tragically killed in their Pickens County home earlier this month.
Justin Elrod, 43, and Lena Elrod, 42, were found beaten to death on July 12. Justin Elrod served his country as a U.S. Army veteran in Afghanistan and Iraq and worked as a federal corrections officer at FCI Aliceville. Lena Elrod was remembered in her obituary as someone who loved life and lived it to the fullest every day.
The Investigation
The case began unfolding early on Sunday, July 12, when deputies and police from Reform, Gordo, and Carrollton responded to a burglary in progress in the 1800 block of County Road 49. Authorities arrested George Birmingham, 45, at that scene. During the subsequent investigation, officials linked Birmingham to the double homicide that had occurred shortly before on nearby Langdon Woods Road, where the Elrods were found.
Charging documents state that Birmingham allegedly used a metallic object or other inanimate items to strike and stab Justin Elrod. Lena Elrod was reportedly beaten in the head with a reciprocating saw or similar object. The suspect and the victims were known to be family friends, though a motive for the attack remains undisclosed.
Legal Proceedings
Birmingham faces a series of serious charges, including capital murder of two or more people, two counts of murder, second-degree burglary, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and resisting arrest. He remains in custody at the Pickens County Jail, with his next court date scheduled for August 20.
Service Information
A Celebration of Life for Lena Elrod is set for Friday, July 24, at the Skelton Funeral Home Chapel in Reform, with visitation immediately following. Funeral services for Justin Elrod will take place Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. at the same location, preceded by visitation from noon until 2 p.m. As reported previously by 205focus.com, the community continues to mourn this devastating loss.
