What to Know
After the death of 2-year-old Madilynn Hadaway shocked a community in Lanett, Alabama last month, an arrest has been made in the case. The toddler’s 22-year-old mother, Sierra Hadaway, has been charged in the murder after her daughter was found dead after being bound and left face down on a bed in their home. Before her arrest, Sierra had memorialized her daughter in a post on Facebook.
Madilynn was found dead on June 12.
According to a Facebook post from the Chambers County, Alabama Police Department, police arrived at a home after receiving a call that a 2-year-old girl wasn’t breathing. She was transported by ambulance to East Alabama Medical Center Lanier, where she was pronounced deceased.
The Sun reported that when Madilynn was found, her arms, legs, and ankles were bound, and she was left on the bed for 12 hours. Though it hasn’t been confirmed, her cause of death may be asphyxiation, but the investigation is ongoing.
A male suspect in the case died on June 14.
Two days after Madilynn was found dead, a 23-year-old man who was considered a suspect in the murder, Christian Myles Sturkie, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the New York Post. It’s not clear what his relationship to Madilynn or her mother may have been.
However, he did share a GoFundMe that was created after Madilynn’s death in a Facebook post on June 13. So far, the GoFundMe has raised over $6,000.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of our beloved two-year-old great granddaughter, Madilynn,” said the page. “She was the sweetest, most loving little girl, and her presence brought so much joy to everyone around her. Losing her so unexpectedly is a tragedy that we will never fully recover from. The pain is overwhelming, and we are left searching for comfort while trying to support her grieving parents.”
Sierra was arrested on July 16.
The Chambers County Police Department shared another update on July 16, revealing that Sierra had been arrested.
“The investigation into the death of two year old Madilynn Hadaway that occurred on June 12, 2026 has resulted in the arrest of her mother. Sierra Shay Hadaway, 22 years old of Lanett, has been charged with Murder,” said a post on the department’s Facebook.
Before her arrest, Sierra memorialized her daughter at the top of her Facebook profile, where she goes by Sierra Hill.
“🦋🤱🏽Madilynn Grace 09/22/2023-06/12/2026🦋🤱🏽,” says her profile.
An obituary for Madilynn has been shared by the Frederick-Dean’s Valley-Point Funeral Home, where she was described as a “precious angel.”
“Though her time with us was far too brief, Madilynn filled our lives with immeasurable love, laughter, and happiness,” reads the obituary. “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.”
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