An elderly Korean War veteran found burned in the back yard of his North Birmingham home was stabbed before being set on fire, according to newly-released court records.Thomas Sims, 18, is charged with capital murder in the Aug. 17 slaying of 85-year-old Gene Emory Dacus, affectionately called "Mr. Gene" by his neighbors.An affidavit used to secure the warrant against Sims said that he killed Dacus during the theft of the victim's Dodge pickup truck, as well as Dacus' wallet. "Thomas Laneal Sims was armed with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, to-wit, a knife and while doing so did intentionally cause the death of Gene Dacus, to wit, by stabbing and/or burning him."Birmingham police last week said they were searching for a possible second person of interest, but said today they believe Sims is the lone suspect.Birmingham police were called to Dacus' home on 33rd Avenue North that Wednesday morning around 12:30 a.m. after receiving calls about a person on fire. When they arrived on the scene, they found the elderly man burned in the back of his home. He was pronounced dead on the scene.Edwards said witnesses told police they saw a fire in the yard before seeing a man running down a nearby alley with a red gasoline jug. Police arrested that man a short distance from the crime scene.Neighbor Helen McComb said she was at her nearby home late Tuesday night when she heard a commotion outside and went on her front porch to investigate. "I could see something burning,'' she said. "Then a guy ran out yelling somebody had burned up Mr. Gene."Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said witnesses told police they saw a fire in the yard before seeing a man running down a nearby alley with a red gasoline jug. Police arrested Sims, who lives in the neighborhood, a short distance from the crime scene."It's disheartening to see someone this young go to this level of violence,'' Edwards has said. "To me, what he did to that elderly gentleman is evil at its finest."Friends, neighbors and the victim's son, Gary Dacus, spoke with AL.com about Dacus' life and his death. "He was the most kindhearted gentleman you ever met,'' said Gary Dacus, one of the victim's three sons. " He never met a stranger, and he helped anybody he could."Sims, who lists an address in the 2200 block of 32nd Avenue North, was arrested in January on a felony charge and a misdemeanor. According to depositions in that case, Sims on Jan. 24 was in possession of a 2013 Toyota RAV valued at $13,725. The SUV was stolen in Jan. 14 carjacking in which the suspects hit the victim with a gun.Dacus obits.al.com/obituaries/birmingham/obituary.aspx?n=gene-emor ;amp;pid=181129444&fhid=8339 alongside his wife of more than 50 years, Earnestine, at Oakwood Memorial Gardens in Gardendale.Jan 11, 1931 - Aug 17, 2016 Mr. Gene, a resident of North Birmingham, AL, was tragically taken from us at the age of 85. He served our nation in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Gene was a friend to everyone he met and he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He worked many years as an airplane mechanic, he enjoyed collecting things and buying and selling scrap and always willing to make a deal. Mr. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Dacus and Margaret Vilanueva; his loving wife of over 50 years, Earnestine Dacus. Mr. Gene is survived by his three sons; Ricky Dacus, Wayne Dacus, and Gary Dacus (Teresa); two grandchildren; one great grandson; other family members and a host of friends. Celebration of life services will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel on Saturday, August 20, 2016 with a time of visitation to begin at 12:00pm; a funeral service at 2:00pm followed by his entombment in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens, Mausoleum, Gardendale, AL. The family extends special thanks to everyone for their prayers, kindness and loving support during this difficult time.