1Bibb County, AL – John Wesley Collum, 57, faces a capital murder-for-hire indictment for involvement in the death of Oscar De Santiago Soto, 36. Prosecutors allege Collum participated in killing Soto and disposing of his body along with a 1998 Ford Ranger.

According to court documents, Collum was hired with unidentified accomplices to assist in the murder earlier this year. He is accused of placing Soto’s body in a hole, setting it ablaze, and burying it with a backhoe.

The indictment outlines that Soto’s remains were buried in close proximity to where his vehicle was last seen. Investigators indicate that Soto was driving the Ford Ranger when he went missing on June 18.

Evidence suggests Collum allegedly committed the acts between June 18 and June 27. He is charged with capital murder

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