Bibb County, AL — A shocking development has emerged in Bibb County, Alabama, as John Wesley Collum, a resident of Montevallo, has been indicted on multiple charges, including capital murder for hire, in connection with the death of Oscar De Santiago Soto.
Soto was reported missing in June 2025. According to authorities, he was last seen in Montevallo driving his 1998 black Ford Ranger truck. His disappearance prompted concerns among friends and family, setting in motion a search and investigation that would ultimately uncover a grim scene.
Discovery of Soto’s Remains
On July 4, 2025, a death investigation began after burned remains were discovered in Bibb County, within a mile of the location where Soto’s truck was last seen. Investigators later confirmed that Soto had been buried underneath his burned pickup truck, a horrifying detail that escalated the seriousness of the case.
Initial Charges Against John Wesley Collum
Initially, Collum was accused of assisting another individual in avoiding prosecution by helping burn and bury Soto’s body and truck. On those grounds, he faced multiple charges, including first-degree hindering prosecution, corpse abuse, and tampering with physical evidence.
In September 2025, authorities added the more severe charge of capital murder for hire to his case. The indictment alleges that Collum deliberately caused Soto’s death, then used a backhoe to bury his remains and his Ford Ranger, subsequently setting them on fire to destroy evidence.
Grand Jury Indictment Confirms Charges
Court records reveal that a Bibb County grand jury has now formally indicted Collum on all charges. The records describe a violent and premeditated homicide, involving the deliberate concealment of Soto’s remains and vehicle.
The documents also indicate that two other individuals reportedly assisted Collum, though it is currently unclear whether they have been formally charged in connection with the crime, as per the reports.
Collum Held Without Bond
Following the indictment, Collum remains detained at Bibb County Jail with no bond. Authorities have emphasized the severity of the allegations, noting that capital murder for hire carries some of the heaviest penalties under Alabama law.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement continues to seek information regarding any additional parties who may have been involved in the crime.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The case has sent shockwaves through Montevallo and Bibb County, raising concerns about violent crime and public safety. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and to report any information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
What are your reactions to the indictment of John Wesley Collum and the tragic death of Oscar De Santiago Soto? Share your opinions in the comments below — your perspective matters to the community.
