An Alabama mother has been charged with murder after her 2-year-old daughter was found dead, having allegedly been bound and left on a bed for more than 12 hours until she suffocated. Police also reported that a second suspect in the case died by suicide two days later.
Sierra Shay Hadaway, 22, faces a murder charge in the death of her daughter, Madilynn Hadaway, who was discovered in Lanett, Alabama, on June 12. According to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, the toddler was found face-down on a bed with her arms, legs, and ankles bound.
Christian Myles Sturkie, a second suspect, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 14. Authorities have not clarified Sturkie’s relationship to the child. Officials stated that Madilynn Hadaway died of asphyxiation but provided no further details.
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that its investigation concluded, leading to the arrest of Sierra Hadaway. Madilynn Hadaway died on June 12, but the investigation took more than a week to result in the charges.
Sierra Hadaway’s Facebook profile, listed under the name Sierra Hill, includes a memorial for her daughter, Madilynn Grace, with dates of birth and death and the phrase “But GOD.” An obituary for Madilynn described her as a “precious angel” who filled lives with love and happiness, possessing a bright smile and curious spirit. The obituary also noted Madilynn enjoyed playing with dolls and being outdoors.
Hadaway is currently being held at the Chambers County Detention Facility without bond. The image provided shows Sierra Shay Hadaway, who in a past Facebook photo appears to smile in a car with a child next to her. ![Sierra Shay Hadaway, a woman wearing glasses and a "Mama" t-shirt, smiles in a car with a laughing child next to her.]( "Sierra Shay Hadaway, a woman wearing glasses and a "Mama" t-shirt, smiles in a car with a laughing child next to her.")