Man Accused of Killing Woman Claimed She Took Her Own Life Before He Allegedly Dumped Body Along Highway

An Alabama man charged with murdering a young woman allegedly told investigators that she died by suicide before he placed her body in a trash bag and abandoned her remains along a highway, according to court records.

Authorities say 44-year-old Randall Lendell Dejourney is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of 23-year-old Karen Hollis, whose disappearance sparked a major investigation that ended with the discovery of her body in a rural area of Alabama.

Woman Reported Missing After Mysterious Disappearance

Karen Hollis was reported missing on May 8 after family members and loved ones were unable to contact her. Investigators quickly began searching for clues after evidence suggested something suspicious may have happened.

According to officials, Hollis’ cellphone was found away from her apartment, raising concerns that she may have been the victim of a crime rather than a simple missing-person case.

Family members continued searching for answers as law enforcement gathered electronic evidence and tracked her final known movements.

Body Found Days Later

The search came to a tragic end on May 16 when Hollis’ body was discovered in Greene County.

Authorities say family members helped locate the area after investigators identified potential locations through electronic evidence gathered during the case.

Her remains were reportedly found inside a garbage bag near a highway, prompting homicide investigators to intensify their efforts.

Surveillance Video Became Key Evidence

According to investigators, surveillance footage from Hollis’ apartment complex showed Dejourney visiting her apartment on the day she disappeared.

Officials allege the footage showed him leaving and later returning while carrying a large blue storage tote and a trash bag.

Investigators also reviewed cellphone records that reportedly showed both Dejourney’s and Hollis’ devices traveling along the same route near Interstate 59 around the time prosecutors believe her body was moved.

Authorities say the digital evidence became a critical part of the case.

Suspect’s Explanation Raises Questions

During questioning, Dejourney allegedly claimed that Hollis had taken her own life by hanging inside her apartment.

According to investigators, he admitted placing her body into a trash bag afterward and disposing of the remains.

However, prosecutors say medical evidence contradicted that explanation.

An autopsy reportedly determined that Hollis died from asphyxiation and ruled her death a homicide.

Investigators further noted that a medical examiner concluded her injuries were not consistent with death by hanging.

Evidence Found Inside Apartment

Authorities also reported finding blood inside Hollis’ apartment, including evidence located in the bathroom.

Combined with surveillance footage, electronic records, and forensic findings, investigators say the evidence pointed toward foul play rather than suicide.

As the investigation progressed, Dejourney was initially charged with abuse of a corpse. After autopsy results were completed, prosecutors upgraded the case and filed a murder charge.

Victim and Suspect Were Acquaintances

Investigators say Dejourney and Hollis were not involved in a long-term relationship but were acquainted through mutual connections.

Authorities described the pair as acquaintances and said they continue working to determine a possible motive.

Officials have not publicly released additional details explaining what may have led to the alleged killing.

Family Searched for Answers

Loved ones say Hollis’ disappearance was completely out of character.

According to family members, digital tracking data showed her leaving her apartment during the early morning hours before her movements abruptly stopped.

Her boyfriend reportedly told local media that the last message he received from Hollis indicated she was heading out for a quick trip to buy candy.

That communication would become one of the final known contacts before she vanished.

Murder Charge Filed

Following the discovery of Hollis’ body and the results of the autopsy, prosecutors formally charged Dejourney with murder.

Court records indicate a judge ordered him held without bond while the case proceeds through the legal system.

Investigators say they have collected extensive witness testimony, electronic records, surveillance footage, and physical evidence as part of the ongoing prosecution.

The case remains active, and additional court proceedings are expected in the coming months as authorities continue seeking answers in the death of Karen Hollis.