The man charged in the murder of four people in Wilmer previously purchased drugs from one of the victims, detectives revealed in court, according to multiple reports.
Lisa Fields, 46, her daughter, Keziah Arionna Luker, 17, Luker’s unborn child and Fields’ 12-year-old son, Thomas Cordelle, Jr., were murdered in the early morning hours of April 20. The victims were found zip-tied, and an 18-month-old baby was discovered inside the home, unharmed.
William Graham Oliver, 54, of Wilmer, was arrested and charged with eight counts of capital murder.
During a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Fox 10 reported the defense is questioning the lack of evidence against Oliver. There were no witnesses, no weapons recovered and no fingerprints or DNA evidence tying Oliver to the crime scene. However, the prosecution said DNA analysis is still being conducted.
A neighbor reported seeing a tan-colored car at the home around the time of the murders. Investigators believe Oliver was driving that vehicle. He was captured on gas station surveillance video after the time of the murders and did not appear to have blood on his clothing. However, prosecutors heard testimony that days after the murders, Oliver pawned jewelry that belonged to one of the victims.
Investigators are still awaiting a ballistics report and the final autopsy reports.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated and immediately gathered enough evidence to say the crime could be connected to drugs. No drugs were found in the home, but a detective testified that Oliver occasionally bought marijuana from the home.
Oliver is considered innocent until proven guilty.
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