An Alabama man is facing two counts of capital murder after his aunt and grandmother were found dead at a Mobile residence on Oct. 12. Investigators allege the women were killed with a chainsaw after a relative contacted 911 about the suspect’s behavior. The defendant is undergoing a state-ordered competency evaluation and remains held without bond at a secure medical facility. Prosecutors have not decided whether to pursue additional charges over an alleged threat made during an initial court hearing.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Charges and alleged killings |
| 2) | 911 call before police response |
| 3) | Competency evaluation and courtroom threat |
| 4) | Victims’ lives and family ties |
| 5) | Upcoming court proceedings |
Charges and alleged killings
Thomas Henry Steele, 47, is accused of killing his aunt, Christy Deloach, 65, and his grandmother, Dora Boone, 85. The deaths occurred at a home on Carolina Court in Mobile, where investigators believe Steele lived with the two women. A criminal complaint alleges that a chainsaw was used in the killings. Police found both victims deceased inside the residence and detained Steele at the scene.
The case has resulted in two capital murder counts. The allegations remain unproven in court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty. Authorities have not publicly detailed a possible motive or described any additional evidence beyond the allegations in the criminal complaint and the police response.
911 call before police response
Hours before police discovered the bodies, a relative called 911 to report concerns about Steele’s conduct. According to a transcript, the caller said he had stopped taking lithium, given away his phone and discussed giving away his vehicle. She described him as bipolar and said he planned to “live for God,” while also telling the dispatcher that he was calm and not violent at the time.
“He’s calm. He’s not violent or anything,” the caller told the dispatcher.
The caller also said she had contacted the 988 crisis line. The dispatcher provided the non-emergency number for Mobile police before the call ended. Prosecutors said they were unsure whether the victims or other relatives had previously sought a legal commitment or mental health observation for Steele.
Competency evaluation and courtroom threat
During a bond and initial court hearing on Oct. 13, Circuit Judge S. Wesley Pipes ordered Steele to undergo an inpatient competency evaluation. The order followed a statement Steele made after the judge appointed public defender Glenn Davidson to represent him. Prosecutors are reviewing whether the statement, reported as an instruction to kill the attorney, supports additional criminal charges.
Steele is being held without bond at a secure medical facility operated through the state mental health system. The evaluation could take up to 90 days. Officials said treatment intended to restore competency begins after admission, while the formal evaluation occurs when symptoms are stable and the patient has completed the restoration program. The timing can vary according to clinical needs and treatment progress.
“The defendant is currently being held without bond at a secure medical facility, where he is receiving treatment intended to restore his competency to stand trial,” a district attorney’s office spokesperson said.
Victims’ lives and family ties
Christy Deloach worked for 15 years at a Mobile hair salon. The salon’s owner, Lenny Zanghi, described her as a hardworking stylist and friend who encouraged people around her. Neighbors also described Deloach as kind and involved in community events.
Deloach cared for her mother, Dora Boone, after the death of Boone’s husband, Phillip Boone. The couple had purchased the Carolina Court home in 2014. The women’s relationship and the reported living arrangement provide context for why both victims were at the residence, but investigators have not disclosed what led to the alleged attack.
Upcoming court proceedings
Steele is scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. in Mobile County Circuit Court before Judge Jay York. His appointed attorney, Glenn Davidson, remains on the case but said he could not question witnesses or provide further details until a preliminary hearing.
The next major decision is whether medical evaluators find Steele competent to stand trial. If he is found competent, prosecutors intend to proceed with the case and seek to keep him detained without bond through its resolution. Records indicate that Steele’s prior incarcerations included several driving-under-the-influence cases, with the most recent dating to 2009.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas Henry Steele faces two capital murder counts. |
| 2 | The victims were identified as Christy Deloach and Dora Boone. |
| 3 | A relative called 911 hours before police found the victims. |
| 4 | Steele is undergoing an inpatient competency evaluation. |
| 5 | His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 19 in Mobile County Circuit Court. |
Summary
The Mobile case involves two alleged killings, a prior 911 welfare call and questions about the defendant’s mental competency. Steele remains in state custody while medical professionals assess whether he can participate in his defense. The capital murder charges and any potential additional charge related to the courtroom threat will depend on further proceedings and prosecutorial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Thomas Henry Steele face?
Steele faces two counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of Christy Deloach and Dora Boone.
Why was Steele ordered to undergo a competency evaluation?
A judge ordered the inpatient evaluation after Steele made a statement concerning his court-appointed attorney during an Oct. 13 hearing.
When is Steele’s next scheduled court appearance?
His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. before Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Jay York.
What happened before police found the victims?
A relative called 911 to report concerns about Steele’s behavior, including that he had stopped taking lithium and was discussing giving away personal property.