Florence Man Indicted for Capital Murder in Death of Missing Woman

A Lauderdale County grand jury has upgraded charges against a Florence man to capital murder in the death of 27-year-old Autumn Strickland, whose burned remains were found in May.

Logan Rogers, 28, was initially arrested on May 21 after authorities discovered Strickland’s body on a property along North Wood Avenue. Florence Police Chief Mike Holt and District Attorney Chris Connolly announced the upgraded charges during a news conference Wednesday, stating Rogers could now face the death penalty if convicted.

According to Connolly, investigators believe Rogers and Strickland met by chance on a downtown Florence sidewalk, where he allegedly asked her for a ride. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the pair together from the moment they met near the Stricklin Hotel to the location where the crime occurred.

Authorities allege Rogers intentionally ran over Strickland with her own vehicle and then attempted to cover up the murder by burning her body.

When asked about the motive, Connolly stated bluntly, “Well, there’s pure evil,” adding that evidence indicates the killing was a deliberate act.

A trial date for Rogers has not yet been scheduled.