Alabama Man Faces Charges for Alleged Crimes Involving Family

An Alabama man named Thomas Henry Steele, 47, faces serious allegations after being accused of decapitating two of his relatives using a chainsaw. These tragic events occurred at their home on Carolina Court in Mobile on October 12. Prosecutors are considering additional charges after Steele made a threatening statement in court.

Incident and Legal Proceedings

Steele faces two counts of capital murder following the deaths of his aunt, Christy Deloach, 65, and his grandmother, Dora Boone, 85. During an October 13 bond hearing, Steele allegedly instructed Judge S. Wesley Pipes to “kill him” upon the judge appointing public defender Glenn Davidson as Steele’s attorney. This prompted the judge to order an inpatient competency evaluation.

Davidson continues to represent Steele but refrains from further commentary while waiting for the mental evaluation results. Prosecutors have not decided whether Steele will face additional charges related to the courtroom threat, pending the outcome of his mental health evaluation.

Mental Health Evaluation

Thomas Henry Steele is presently held without bond at a secure medical facility for a competency evaluation that could last up to 90 days. The Alabama Department of Mental Health oversees the evaluation process. Restoration and treatment services begin immediately upon the patient’s admission, based on their clinical needs and symptoms.

911 Call and Investigation

A relative contacted 911 on the day of the incident due to concerns over Steele’s behavior. The caller indicated that Steele had stopped taking lithium and had given away his phone and discussed relinquishing his vehicle. Although described as calm, the caller highlighted his bipolar disorder and stated he planned to “live for God”. The dispatcher provided a non-emergency police number for further assistance.

According to a criminal complaint reported by NBC 15 News, Steele used a chainsaw to kill both women. Police arrived at the scene shortly after, confirming the deaths and arresting Steele on-site.

Zieman from the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office mentioned uncertainty about any previous legal actions taken by the victims or other family members to seek mental health observation for Steele.

Background Information

Steele has prior convictions for “several DUI cases,” with the latest dating back to 2009. His arraignment is scheduled for November 19 before Circuit Court Judge Jay York in Mobile County.

Community Impact and Reflection

Christy Deloach worked for 15 years at Mr. Sam’s Hair Fashions in Mobile. Lenny Zanghi, the salon owner, remembered her fondly, describing her as a sweet and dedicated stylist who positively influenced others. Neighbors recalled her kindness and active community participation.

Deloach also took care of her mother, Dora Boone, after her father’s passing. The Boone family had purchased their home in 2014. Investigators believe Steele resided at the same address as the victims, creating a devastating impact on the community.