At approximately 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18th, Florence police officers responded to the 2700 block of Huntsville Road to a report of a possible deceased body in an alleyway. This information was provided by a motorist.
Upon arrival, officers located Christopher Thomas Pierce, a 31-year-old resident of Florence, deceased in the alleyway. A crime scene was established, and detectives were notified.
Officers received information that Pierce had previously been seen on the property adjacent to the alleyway. Subsequently, a search warrant was obtained for the property. Two subjects were transported for questioning and subsequently charged with the felony offense of Abuse of Corpse. Pierce’s body will be sent for a forensic autopsy.
William Shane Nichols, 54 years of age, and Joni Renee Cummings, 38 years of age, both from Florence, were charged. Both are being held at the Lauderdale County Detention Center without bond due to previous charges.
***William Shane Nichols and Joni Renee Cummings are innocent until proven guilty***