AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Tragic Double Homicide Shocks West Mobile Community
Christy Deloach, a mobile hair stylist known for her dedication and kindness, was killed alongside her mother, Dora Boone, in a brutal attack at their West Mobile home. The incident has left their friends, family, and community heartbroken.
Victims Remembered by Colleagues and Clients
Deloach had worked at Mr. Sam’s Hair Fashions off McGregor Avenue for over 15 years. Lenny Zanghi, owner of the salon, described her as "hard-working" and "a beautiful soul." He shared, "She was one of the first employees we had when we took over. And just a real sweet girl. Beautiful person. I considered her a friend. You know, she’d been with us for 15 years, and she cut my hair." Co-workers and clients alike are mourning the loss of Deloach, whom they say brought out the best in everyone she met.
Details of the Crime Scene in West Mobile
On Monday afternoon, police were called to the home on Carolina Court in West Mobile, where they discovered the gruesome scene. Both women were found decapitated. Authorities described it as one of the most severe and disturbing crime scenes they have encountered. The attack has become a focal point in discussions about violent crime in the area, with members of the community struggling to process the tragedy.
Arrest and Charges Filed Against Thomas Steele
Police quickly identified and arrested 47-year-old Thomas Steele, Deloach’s nephew, in connection with the murders. Steele had been living with the victims at the time. He is accused of killing his aunt and grandmother using a chainsaw.
Steele made his first court appearance on Tuesday, where a judge ordered a mental competency evaluation and denied him bond. He faces two counts of capital murder. Zanghi recalled, "All I know is really that he lived with them, her and her mother. And she had just lost a stepfather recently." Zanghi mentioned that Deloach rarely spoke about her nephew but recently discussed him, noting that he was going to give her an upgraded phone. Zanghi also mentioned Deloach described her nephew as bipolar and once found him irritable during a phone call.
Impact on Salon and Community Mourning
Lenny Zanghi last saw Deloach at work the Friday before Hurricane Isaias made landfall. He said, "I had just seen her right before the storm hit. She came, worked about half a day, and we locked everything up and everything seemed fine." The news has been devastating for those at Mr. Sam’s Hair Fashions. The salon plans to keep Deloach’s station as she left it, placing flowers to honor her memory.
Ongoing Investigation
The case continues as authorities conduct their investigation. As details emerge, the community mourns the loss of Christy Deloach and her mother, reflecting on the tragedy’s impact. The incident highlights the difficult reality of violent crime and its ripple effects through neighborhoods, workplaces, and families.
Source: whnt.com.
