34-year-old Florence man arrested after police say he robbed, sodomized two elderly women

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Florence Police Department arrested a 34-year-old man Saturday after they said he sodomized and robbed two elderly women.

According to the Florence Police Department, Michael Joe Kirkland Jr. is charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree sodomy, first-degree robbery and first-degree assault after officers responded to a burglary on Howell Street around 5:30 p.m.

FPD said two elderly women were found inside the home with injuries. One of the women, a 79-year-old, was flown to UAB while the other woman, a 76-year-old, was taken to North Alabama Medical Center. Both women are still in the hospital.

Officers were able to identify Kirkland through doorbell video and said they recovered evidence that connected him to the crime. FPD said this is still an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are pending.

Kirkland is being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center without bail pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.