The search for a missing 23-year-old Alabama woman has concluded in tragedy, as her family and friends discovered her deceased on Saturday. A man has been charged with abuse of a corpse in connection with the case.
Disappearance and Search
Karen Deann Hollis vanished from the Georgetown Apartments in Northport on May 8. Her sister, Brandy, grew concerned when she did not hear from her, as reported by WIAT. 'I have not felt good,' Brandy said during the search. 'I haven't eaten, I haven't been able to sleep. I haven't been able to do anything, because I'm worried about her safety.'
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued a missing persons alert, noting that Hollis was believed to have a condition that could impair her judgment. Northport police later suspected foul play and enlisted the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit to assist. Authorities identified 44-year-old Randall Lendell Dejourney as a person of interest, according to WBRC.
Discovery and Charges
On Saturday, Hollis's friends and family searched an area in Greene County that authorities deemed relevant based on electronic device data. There, they found her remains. Dejourney was promptly arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse.
'The investigation has been a priority for both agencies,' said Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Captain Jack Kennedy. 'Multiple search warrants were executed and a great deal of physical, witness and electronic information was obtained.'
Boyfriend's Account
Hollis's boyfriend, Zackary Slaughter, stated he was half an hour away at home when she disappeared. He said they exchanged text messages before her disappearance. 'The last thing she texted me was saying she was going to the store to get a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup,' he recounted. 'She texted me at 11pm saying she didn't feel good. I tried calling her at 4 that morning when I woke up and then at 5am, detectives were knocking on my door.'
Slaughter was questioned by police due to a prior domestic violence charge that included a no-contact order. However, he claimed they had reconciled. He suggested authorities investigate a neighbor who gave Hollis a ride to the store. It remains unclear if Dejourney is that neighbor.
Legal Proceedings
Dejourney is held in Tuscaloosa County Jail with a $15,000 bond. Hollis's remains have been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation continues, and Dejourney may face additional charges pending autopsy results.
Family's Grief
Hollis's family is devastated. Her sister Brandy posted on Facebook, 'My heart is hurting,' while sharing an online fundraiser for funeral expenses. She mentioned plans to go fishing with Karen and asked her spirit to 'Please tell our brother that I miss 'n' love him.'
Slaughter expressed his sorrow: 'To know that I should have been there, like I could have been there, I was one phone call away, and she never got the opportunity, and I wasn't there.'
