A teen neighbor of an elderly Korean War veteran found burned to death in the back yard of his North Birmingham home is now charged in the brutal slaying.
Thomas Sims, an 18-year-old already awaiting trial in connection with an armed carjacking earlier this year, is charged with capital murder and held on no bond. He is charged in the killing of 85-year-old Gene Emory Dacus, affectionately called "Mr. Gene" by his neighbors.
Authorities said the capital murder charge stems from the theft of the victim's truck. Detectives are actively searching for a second suspect.
"We'd appreciate it if he would go ahead and turn himself in,'' said Birmingham police Lt. Sean Edwards. "This heinous act was totally senseless and totally unnecessary. Based on Mr. Dacus' reputation, he would have given you his last."
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2016/08/teen_neighbor_charged_with_cap.html