Tragic Incident in Alabama
An Alabama man is facing serious accusations after allegedly decapitating two family members with a chainsaw. This shocking event unfolded following a 911 call made by a relative, concerned about his erratic behavior.
Prosecutors are currently considering whether comments made in the courtroom might lead to additional charges. It seems the man, identified as Thomas Henry Steele, 47, reportedly told a judge to “kill” his court-appointed attorney.
Steele has been charged with two counts of capital murder for the deaths of his grandmother, Dora Boone, 85, and his aunt, Christy Deloach, 65, which occurred on October 12 at their residence on Carolina Court in Mobile.
During a bond hearing on October 13, Steele’s behavior prompted Circuit Judge S. Wesley Pipes to order a mental competency evaluation after he responded with “kill him” when the judge appointed public defender Glenn Davidson to act on his behalf.
Davidson confirmed he is still representing Steele, but he refrained from sharing further details as Steele undergoes his evaluation. “It’s a terrible situation,” Davidson noted, adding that official questioning can’t proceed until the preliminary hearing.
Tara Zieman, communications director for the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office, mentioned that they have not yet decided on pursuing further charges related to the threat, awaiting the results of the mental health evaluation.
According to Zieman, Steele is being held without bond at a secure facility where he is receiving treatment. The intention is to enable him to become competent for trial. “If he is found competent, we will push forward with the prosecution,” she explained.
The evaluation process could last as long as 90 days and takes place under the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s supervision.
The 911 Call
Hours before law enforcement found the two women’s bodies, a family member had dialed 911 regarding Steele’s unsettling conduct. The caller noted that he had stopped taking lithium medication, given away his phone, and mentioned plans to “live for God.” Interestingly, she described him as calm and non-violent at that moment.
In a criminal complaint, it’s alleged that Steele used a chainsaw to commit the murders. Upon police arrival, both victims were found dead inside the home, and Steele was detained on the scene.
Zieman expressed uncertainty over whether any legal measures had previously been taken to address Steele’s mental health by the victims or other family members.
Steele has a history of prior incarcerations, which includes several DUI offenses dating back to 2009.
He is set to appear for arraignment on November 19 at 9 a.m. before Judge Jay York in the Mobile County Circuit Court.
A Look at the Victims
Christy Deloach worked for 15 years at a local salon, where the owner described her as a dedicated stylist who brightened others’ days. Neighbors remember her as kind and active in community events. She was known to care for her elderly mother, Dora, after the death of her father, Phillip Boone. The home where the tragedy occurred was purchased by the Boone couple back in 2014. Investigators believe Steele lived with the victims at the time of the incident.
