MOBILE, Ala. — A 54-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of capital murder in connection with the brutal killings of a mother, her pregnant teenage daughter, and her 12-year-old son in Mobile County. The discovery of the victims in their home has left the community reeling and shattered.
William Graham Oliver was apprehended on April 28, following the grim finding of 46-year-old Lisa Gail Fields, 17-year-old Keziah Luker, and her 12-year-old brother, Thomas Cordelle Jr. Investigators believe that Oliver was familiar with the family and had been in the house on the night prior to the grisly discovery. Tragically, Luker was nearly eight months pregnant at the time of her death, and her unborn child was also a casualty.
The case unfolded during the early hours of April 20 when a concerned relative sought to check on the family after Luker’s partner was unable to reach her while working offshore. Alerted by unusual activity indicating potential danger, the family member arrived at the home around 2:30 a.m. to a horrifying scene, described by authorities as “brutal.” All three victims were found bound and isolated in separate rooms, their hands restrained with flex cuffs. An 18-month-old toddler, Luker’s daughter, was discovered alive and unharmed.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Fields suffered severe injuries, including stab wounds and a severed throat. Luker was shot, and Thomas had sustained a deep cut to his throat. The sheriff noted that the distinct methods of execution led investigators initially to suspect multiple assailants. However, after Oliver’s arrest, the focus shifted, and authorities voiced their confidence in his solitary involvement in the murders.
Oliver is charged with one count of capital murder involving two or more individuals, alongside four counts related to the killings during a burglary, and two counts concerning the murder of a child under 14. The charges also address the death of Luker’s unborn child. This aspect has placed additional weight on the investigation, causing extra concern for detectives.
A timeline surrounding the incident has provided a narrow window of focus for investigators. Authorities indicated that Oliver had been present at the home shortly before the killings, around 7:30 p.m. on April 19. Despite the evidence being largely circumstantial, law enforcement described it as compelling. A search of Oliver’s residence yielded items believed to bolster the case against him, and tips from the community played a critical role in leading to his arrest.
The harrowing incident has deeply affected the tight-knit community of Wilmer, where many know each other through local schools and congregations. Neighbors of Oliver expressed disbelief regarding the allegations, shocked that someone they knew could be involved in such a violent crime. Family members of the victims depicted Fields as nurturing and welcoming, while describing Luker as enthusiastic and family-oriented. Thomas was remembered for his bright spirit and love of learning.
As the community mourns, funeral plans for the three victims coincide with the ongoing investigation. Obituaries reflect their loving nature, with family articulating the profound loss they feel. The surviving toddler has emerged as a poignant reminder of the tragedy, and the ongoing legal proceedings will consider the implications of her presence during such a horrific event.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any physical evidence was recovered or if specific details regarding a weapon will come to light as the case progresses. Oliver remains in custody, and the prosecution plans to pursue the matter through the Mobile County court system while investigations continue. As of now, the motive remains undisclosed, and the community grapples with the weight of the tragedy.