[AL.com] A Birmingham teen has been indicted in the killing of an elderly Korean War veteran who was stabbed and then set on fire in his North Birmingham back yard.
A Jefferson County grand jury indicted Thomas Sims, now 19, with capital murder, according to records made public Wednesday. Sims, a neighbor of victim Gene Emory Dacus, has been jailed without bond since August 2016.
Court records show the 85-year-old Dacus, known by his neighbors as "Mr. Gene," was killed during the theft of his Dodge pickup truck, as well as his wallet. The case against Sims, who lived near the victim, was bound over to a grand jury after a preliminary hearing was held last October.
A judge ruled there was enough evidence to present the case for indictment consideration because Sims admitted to being present while Dacus was stabbed, admitted to burning Dacus and was seen by a witness driving Dacus' truck after the slaying. The grand jury issued the indictment Feb. 10.
Attorneys for the teen have argued for bond for their client, saying he has many family members in the area who are willing to help him, and that he has very little criminal history and would not pose a threat to the community. A judge denied that request for bond.
Birmingham police were called to Dacus' 33rd Avenue North home about 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17, after receiving calls about a person on fire. When they arrived on the scene, they found him burned in the back of his home. |
