An Alabama man has been charged with murder after authorities said a missing 23-year-old woman was strangled to death and her body was later found inside a garbage bag along a highway.
Woman Found Dead After Being Reported Missing
Karen Hollis was reported missing on May 8 and was found dead on May 16 in Greene County. Her family located her remains while searching an area identified through electronic evidence, according to investigators.
Murder Charge Filed
Authorities allege that 44-year-old Randall Lendell Dejourney killed Hollis in her apartment before placing her body in a trash bag and dumping it along Interstate 59.
Investigators said surveillance video showed Dejourney leaving and later returning to Hollis’ apartment carrying a blue tote container and a trash bag. Phone records also reportedly placed both Dejourney and Hollis along the same route near the highway.
Suspect’s Account Contradicted by Autopsy
Dejourney allegedly told detectives that Hollis died by suicide and that he disposed of her body afterward. However, investigators said a medical examiner determined her injuries were not consistent with hanging.
An autopsy found that Hollis died from asphyxiation and ruled her death a homicide.
Held Without Bond
Dejourney was initially charged with abuse of a corpse, but the charge was later upgraded to murder following the autopsy results. He is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond as the investigation continues.
