Overview
- Authorities announced Thursday that 22-year-old Sierra Shay Hadaway has been charged with murder and is being held without bond at the Chambers County Detention Facility.
- The investigation began when deputies and Lanett EMS responded to a home after a report of an unresponsive 2-year-old on June 12 and the child was pronounced dead at East Alabama Medical Center.
- Investigators reported that the toddler’s arms, legs and ankles were bound and that she had been left face down on a bed for more than 12 hours, and officials believe she died of asphyxiation.
- A second person identified by authorities, Christian Myles Sturkie, died by suicide on June 14, removing a potential witness and narrowing the avenues for direct testimony about his involvement.
- The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, the 5th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences continue the probe while Madilynn’s family and community mourn her loss.