Left: Sierra Hadaway (Chambers County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Madilynn Hadaway (Valley-Point Funeral Home and Crematory).
A 2-year-old Alabama girl spent more than 12 hours bound and pinned face down on a bed before she died from asphyxiation at the hands of her own mother, cops say.
Sierra Hadaway, 22, of Chambers County, is facing a charge of murder after allegedly killing her daughter, Madilynn Hadaway, last month. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office announced her arrest on Facebook Thursday.
“Over the course of the investigation, investigators learned that the child’s arms, legs and ankles were bound and she was placed face down on a bed for more than 12 hours,” the sheriff’s office said. “It is believed the child died from asphyxiation.”
A male suspect, identified as Christian Myles Sturkie, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 14 — two days after Madilynn was killed, according to police. The sheriff’s office did not reveal whether he played a role in her death.
“This case remains under investigation by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, the 5th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Science,” the CCSO post said.
Sheriff’s deputies and Lanett EMS were dispatched to Hadaway’s home in the Cusseta area around 9 a.m. on June 12 — a Friday — after receiving a report about a child who was not breathing. Deputies attempted lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived and transported Madilynn to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
An obituary for the toddler says she “enjoyed playing with dolls, getting dirty in the yard, and living wild and free.”
“Though her time with us was far too brief, Madilynn filled our lives with immeasurable love, laughter, and happiness,” the obit says. “Her bright smile, curious spirit, and joyful heart brought life to everyone who knew her. She had a special way of bringing joy to those around her, and her sweet presence made every day brighter. She taught those around her the purest meaning of love.”
Hadaway is being held at the Chambers County Detention Facility with no bond.
