A tragic missing person case in Alabama has ended with the discovery of a young woman’s body and the arrest of a 44-year-old man. Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing, and more charges could be filed after an autopsy report is completed.
Alabama Woman Found Dead After Days Missing
Karen Hollis, a 23-year-old woman from Northport, Alabama, had been missing for more than a week before her remains were found on Saturday.
According to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Hollis was first reported missing on May 8. Investigators said evidence early in the case suggested foul play may have been involved.
Her family reportedly discovered her remains while searching an area identified through electronic evidence recovered during the investigation.
Man Arrested in Connection With Case
Police arrested 44-year-old Randall Lendell Dejourney in connection with the case. He has been charged with abuse of a corpse.
Authorities said additional charges may be filed depending on the results of an autopsy, which will determine Karen Hollis’ exact cause and manner of death.
Dejourney is currently being held at the Tuscaloosa County Jail on a $15,000 cash bond.
Life360 App Helped Trace Her Final Movements
According to family members, Hollis’ movements on the day she disappeared were tracked through the Life360 app on her phone.
The app reportedly showed her leaving her apartment in Northport around 4:25 a.m. while riding in a car. Data showed the vehicle travelled south through downtown before reaching Interstate 20.
At approximately 4:42 a.m., the app recorded what was described as “hard braking,” raising concerns about a possible crash or sudden stop.
Investigators have not publicly revealed what exactly happened after that moment.
Boyfriend Shares Final Text Message
Hollis’ boyfriend, Zackary Slaughter, told local media that he had been texting her shortly before she disappeared.
According to him, her last message said she was heading to a store to buy a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
Slaughter also said a neighbour was reportedly giving Hollis a ride when the incident occurred, though police have not confirmed whether Dejourney was that neighbour.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said investigators have executed multiple search warrants and collected physical, witness, and electronic evidence during the case.
Authorities identified Dejourney as a person of interest before taking him into custody after the discovery of Hollis’ remains.
Police have not released many details publicly, and the investigation remains active as officials wait for autopsy results and continue gathering evidence.
The heartbreaking case has shocked the local community, with family members and loved ones continuing to seek answers about what happened to Karen Hollis during her final hours.
