Bibb County, Alabama – Prosecutors have detailed a disturbing murder-for-hire case involving an Alabama man accused of helping kill a missing man, burning both his body and his pickup truck, and burying them together in a deep pit dug with a backhoe. Newly filed court documents outline what investigators describe as a calculated, paid killing carried out earlier this year.
Incident overview
According to charging documents filed in Bibb County, 57-year-old John Wesley Collum has been indicted on a capital murder-for-hire charge in the killing of 36-year-old Oscar De Santiago Soto. Prosecutors say Collum worked with two unidentified suspects to carry out the deadly plot, which included setting the victim and his 1998 Ford Ranger on fire and burying them “in a hole” using heavy machinery.
The filing states that Collum helped place Soto’s remains in a large pit, set the body and vehicle ablaze, and then covered the site with a backhoe in an attempt to conceal the crime.
How investigators say the crime unfolded
Authorities report that Soto vanished on June 18, prompting Montevallo police, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, and federal agencies to begin a joint search. Photos of Soto and his truck were released as concerns grew about his safety.
Prosecutors say the killing was not random. According to the indictment, Collum was allegedly paid to participate in the murder, carrying out the act “for pecuniary gain.” The documents further accuse him of trying to hide the crime scene by burning and burying evidence.
Court records note that the grisly act took place sometime between June 18 and June 27, when Soto’s truck and remains were set on fire and hidden in a remote area.
Where the victim was found
Soto’s remains were ultimately discovered within a mile of the last known location of his Ford Ranger, in a wooded area off the 2000 block of Randolph Road. Investigators uncovered both the victim and the burned vehicle buried together in a deep pit dug with a backhoe.
Prosecutors say the method of disposal suggested an effort to hide not only the body but all physical evidence tied to the murder-for-hire scheme.
Charges filed against the accused
Collum faces several serious charges, including:
- Capital murder for pecuniary gain
- Hindering prosecution
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with physical evidence
Court documents state that Collum “intentionally caused the death” of Soto and “knowingly and willfully” abused the victim’s body in the process. At least one other suspect has been taken into custody, though authorities have not confirmed whether formal charges have been filed against that individual.
Local outlet The Tuscaloosa Thread reported that prosecutors believe Collum participated directly in killing Soto and attempting to destroy evidence by burning the vehicle and body.
Ongoing investigation and legal proceedings
Collum is currently being held in the Bibb County Jail with no bond set. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for September 2026. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the identities and alleged roles of the remaining suspects involved in the plot.
Investigators have not disclosed the amount of money Collum was allegedly paid for participating in the murder-for-hire plan.
Community reaction and safety concerns
The case has shocked residents in parts of central Alabama, where violent crime involving heavy machinery and elaborate burial attempts is extremely rare. Local authorities have urged community members to remain alert and report suspicious activity, particularly in remote or wooded areas where illegal dumping or criminal activity could occur unnoticed.
Officials also note that missing-person investigations often depend heavily on early public cooperation, as was the case when Soto’s disappearance was first publicized.
What investigators want the public to know
All agencies involved emphasize that the investigation remains active, and more arrests are possible. They ask anyone with additional information connected to Soto’s disappearance or the movements of Collum and the other suspects between June 18 and June 27 to come forward.
As the case proceeds toward trial, prosecutors say they will continue presenting evidence detailing how the murder-for-hire operation unfolded, who financed it, and the roles of other participants.
Conclusion
The indictment marks a major step forward in a complex and disturbing criminal case involving a missing man, a burned truck, and a concealed grave. With Collum facing capital charges and more suspects under review, the investigation is expected to continue revealing new details as it moves toward a 2026 trial date.
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