Alabama Mechanic Charged With Murder After Missing Woman’s Torched Car Found

A man faces charges in the presumed murder of Michelle Whitaker Hough, a missing Alabama woman, after her car was found burned.

Kenneth Lawhorn, 58, was arrested and initially faced property theft and arson charges related to the case. These charges were upgraded to capital murder, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.

Hough was last seen at her home in the Seale area of Alabama around 1 p.m. Sunday. Shortly after, her charred vehicle was found on Carver Road by local authorities.

Lawhorn, who owns a body shop in Phenix City, had been in contact with Hough as she sought a car for her son, The Birmingham News reported. Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said Hough was last known to be at Lawhorn’s shop.

Investigators tracked Hough’s phone to a location near Lawhorn’s shop in Phenix City.

“He has done work on her vehicles, and she was engaged with him about finding a vehicle for her son,” Taylor said, adding that the nature of their relationship is still under investigation. “The extent of their relationship we’re still looking into, but they did know each other.”

Surveillance footage showed Hough’s vehicle pull into Lawhorn’s business at 1:41 p.m. Sunday, the newspaper reported. Footage also showed Lawhorn allegedly loading Hough’s car onto a trailer and driving away. 

Steven Hough, Hough's husband, reported her missing. With her remains yet to be found, authorities are seeking information from the public.

Anyone with information about the case can contact the authorities at 334-664-9846.