3 women accused of holding woman captive, beating her to death in attempt to get food benefits

BESSEMER, Ala. – Three women have been arrested in a killing authorities say was motivated by efforts to obtain government food benefits.

Authorities said Wednesday that 34-year-old Miranda Michelle Lynch was held in a mobile home near Bessemer for two days while the women beat her.

Sheriff's officials said that someone called police after hearing women screaming from inside the mobile home Friday. Officers found Lynch dead on the bathroom floor.

Authorities say the suspects aimed to obtain food benefits, but needed information from Lynch to create an Electronic Benefit Transfer card. Authorities say Lynch refused to comply, and the beatings began.

Charged with capital murder and kidnapping are: 57-year-old Karen Kirby of Bessemer; 39-year-old Susan Otts of Hueytown; and 43-year-old Tamara Giarrusso of Bessemer. It wasn't immediately clear whether they have lawyers.