An Alabama car mechanic is reportedly facing murder and kidnapping charges, among others, after authorities found the remains of a woman who went missing following a visit to his auto shop.
Michelle Hough, 54, had been missing since Nov. 5, WTVM reported Nov. 10. Authorities discovered her remains beneath an underpass Friday, according to the outlet.
The victim was last seen entering an automotive shop owned by 58-year-old Kenneth Lawhorne in Phenix City, WTVM reported. Surveillance footage caught Hough going into the shop but she never emerged, Russell County Sheriff Taylor said during a press conference. (RELATED: Police Find Remains Of Missing Ohio State University Student One Month After Disappearance)
BREAKING NEWS: The body of Michelle Hough has been recovered Friday afternoon, according to Russell County Sheriff’s Office. Hough’s body was found on Zion Hill Road in Hatchechubbee. https://t.co/MvKjk2VANP
— Colin Scroggins (@cnaw_colin) November 10, 2023
Hough allegedly knew Lawhorne and had been seeking to buy a car for her son, Taylor said.
“He has done work on her vehicles, and she was engaged with him about finding a vehicle for her son,’’ he told reporters, according to AL.com. “The extent of their relationship we’re still looking into, but they did know each other. … We know that she arrived at his job, and never left.”
Lawhorne was initially charged with theft of property and arson after officers linked a Sunday night car fire to Hough’s own Equinox, AL.com reported. Hough had been reported missing at the time.
Sheriff’s deputies then canvassed the area surrounding the repair shop for a couple of days before discovering Hough’s body, according to WTVM.
“We have amended the charges for Mr. Lawhorne to include capital murder, kidnapping and capital murder robbery. He is currently still in the Russell County jail with no bond. He got a $30,000 bond on the theft of the car but is being held on capital murder charges with no bond,” Taylor continued.
A local man told WTVM he suspected something had gone terribly wrong due to the number of officers in the area.
“I came through here a few minutes ago, coming from a friend’s house, and I see all these police cars on this bridge. And this is very, very unusual,” he said.
Taylor said officers are still working on the case, and suggested anyone with information should contact the sheriff’s office.