A grand jury in Lauderdale County has escalated the charges against a 28-year-old man from Florence to capital murder in connection with the tragic death of 27-year-old Autumn Strickland, whose charred remains were discovered in May. Logan Rogers was initially taken into custody on May 21, following the grim discovery of Strickland’s body on a property located along North Wood Avenue. The announcement regarding the upgraded charges was made during a press conference on Wednesday by Florence Police Chief Mike Holt and District Attorney Chris Connolly, who indicated that Rogers now faces the possibility of the death penalty if found guilty.
District Attorney Connolly provided insight into the circumstances surrounding the case, revealing that investigators believe Rogers and Strickland encountered each other by chance on a sidewalk in downtown Florence. It is alleged that Rogers approached Strickland and requested a ride. Surveillance footage reportedly captures their interaction, showing them together from the moment they met near the Stricklin Hotel to the site where the alleged crime took place.
Authorities contend that Rogers deliberately ran over Strickland using her own vehicle and subsequently attempted to conceal the murder by incinerating her remains. When questioned about the motive behind this heinous act, Connolly did not mince words, stating, “Well, there’s pure evil,” and emphasized that the evidence suggests the killing was a premeditated act.
As of now, a trial date for Rogers has yet to be established, leaving the community and the victim’s family awaiting further developments in this harrowing case.