Inset: Thomas Steele. Background: Mobile police in Alabama are investigating after Steele allegedly killed his aunt and grandmother, according to WALA.
An Alabama man faces accusations of using a chainsaw to decapitate his aunt and grandmother, then threatening his lawyer during a court hearing.
Forty‑seven‑year‑old Thomas Steele is charged with capital murder involving two or more victims for the deaths of Christy Deloach and Dora Boone.
Mobile police arrived at a home on the 2400 block of Carolina Court shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Monday to investigate a death. They discovered Deloach and Boone dead, both with their heads removed.
Authorities say the suspect appeared to be experiencing a mental‑health crisis in the hours leading up to the killings.
About two and a half hours before her body was found, Steele’s aunt dialed 911 to report that he had stopped taking his lithium and was acting erratically.
She told dispatchers he had begun “doing some bizarre things,” such as giving away his phone and car, according to a transcript obtained by local Fox affiliate WALA.
When the dispatcher inquired whether Steele needed an ambulance, the aunt declined. The dispatcher then asked if Steele was being violent or dangerous.
“I just needed to figure out what to do,” the aunt reportedly responded. “I called 988 and tried to talk to him. He’s calm! He’s not violent or anything. So, I guess I’ll just let it play itself out.”
The dispatcher provided the police department’s phone number, and the call concluded.
Hours later, she and Steele’s grandmother were found dead.
WALA noted that another woman with special needs was present in the home but remained unharmed.
During his first court appearance, a judge assigned Steele a public defender. According to an AL.com courtroom report, Steele allegedly shouted “kill him,” prompting the judge to remove him from the courtroom.
He continues to sit in the Mobile Metro Jail without bond.
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