Mother, Son, Pregnant Teen Found Zip-Tied and Slain

A late-night phone app alert led to a grim discovery in rural Alabama, where four family members—including a pregnant teen—were found killed in what authorities say was a targeted attack. Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch on Monday identified the victims as 46-year-old Lisa Ferguson; her 17-year-old daughter, Keziah Luker, and her unborn child; and 12-year-old son, Thomas Cordelle. Luker was eight months pregnant; her 18-month-old was found unharmed in the Wilmer home. All three victims were bound with zip ties and discovered in separate rooms, Burch said.

Ferguson was stabbed and had her throat cut; Luker was shot; Thomas had been nearly decapitated. There was no sign of forced entry or a struggle, and the house appeared ransacked, leading investigators to suspect the killers were searching for something and that more than one person was involved. Burch said the attack appears premeditated and not domestic in nature.

Luker's aunt tells Al.com the teen had only planned to say a quick hello to her mom before heading back to her partner in Louisiana. He's the one who alerted police after the Life360 app flagged activity on Luker's phone late Sunday night. Unable to reach her, WKRG reports he called his father to check on her, leading to the discovery of the victims.