Thomas Henry Steele Charged With Capital Murder After Grandmother and Aunt Found Decapitated in Alabama Home

 

Thomas Henry Steele Accused of Killing His Grandmother and Aunt With a Chainsaw and Decapitating Both Women

On October 12, 2026, police in Mobile, Alabama, discovered two women dead inside the home they shared with Thomas Henry Steele, 47.

The victims were Dora Boone, 85, Steele's grandmother, and Christy DeLoach, 65, his aunt.

According to court documents, Steele allegedly attacked both women with a chainsaw, decapitating them.

Hours before their bodies were discovered, someone inside the home had called 911, expressing concern about Steele's erratic behavior and mental state.

By the time police arrived, both women were dead.

Steele was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder.

During his October 13 court appearance, Steele reportedly became agitated when the judge appointed a public defender.

He objected, then allegedly whispered, “Kill him.”

Deputies immediately removed him from the courtroom.

Steele was denied bond.

On October 16, Judge Circuit Judge S. Wesley Pipes ordered Steele transferred to the Alabama Department of Mental Health for inpatient treatment and a comprehensive competency evaluation.

The judge determined that Steele's mental condition had deteriorated significantly since his arrest and that an ordinary outpatient evaluation would be insufficient.

The evaluation is expected to take 30 to 90 days and will determine whether Steele can understand the proceedings and assist in his defense.

A competency evaluation does not determine guilt or whether someone was legally insane at the time of an alleged crime.

Steele has not been convicted, and the charges remain pending.

Dora Boone was 85 years old. Christy DeLoach was 65. Two women were killed inside their own home, allegedly by a man who was their grandson and nephew.

Whatever the investigation ultimately reveals about Steele's mental condition, these women deserved to live their lives without becoming victims of such unimaginable violence.