Left: Sierra Hadaway (Chambers County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Madilynn Hadaway (Valley-Point Funeral Home and Crematory).
Tragically, a two-year-old girl from Alabama endured over 12 hours restrained and lying face down on a bed, leading to her death from asphyxiation, as alleged by law enforcement.
Sierra Hadaway, a 22-year-old resident of Chambers County, is charged with the murder of her young daughter, Madilynn Hadaway, which reportedly occurred last month. The news of her arrest was shared by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office through a Facebook announcement on Thursday.
During their investigation, officials discovered that the young girl’s limbs had been tied, and she was kept in a prone position on a bed for over half a day, according to the sheriff’s office. This prolonged position is believed to have caused her asphyxiation.
Authorities also reported that Christian Myles Sturkie, a male suspect connected to the case, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 14, two days following Madilynn’s death. The sheriff’s office has not confirmed if Sturkie was involved in her tragic demise.
“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.