Horror as mother, 22, charged with murder of toddler bound and left to suffocate

A woman allegedly tied her two-year-old daughter’s arms, legs and ankles together before leaving her face down on a bed to suffocate. Sierra Shay Hadaway, 22, has been charged with murder, while a second suspect, Christian Myles Sturkie, fatally shot himself after the baby’s death.

Madilynn Hadaway was found dead after allegedly being bound and left face down on a bed on June 12. It is believed she died of asphyxiation, but further information has not been made public. The murder suspect was not arrested until Thursday (July 16). It is also unclear what Sturkie’s relationship with the girl is.

As reported by the New York Post, Madilynn was found dead in the city of Lanett in Alabama, USA. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office said she had been left face down for 12 hours and suffocated to death.

Sierra Hadaway’s Facebook profile, under the name Sierra Hill, includes a memorial to her daughter. It reads: “Madilynn Grace 09/22/2023-06/12/2026,” along with the phrase “But GOD.”

Meanwhile, an obituary for the child described her as a “precious angel.” It added: “Though her time with us was far too brief, Madilynn filled our lives with immeasurable love, laughter, and happiness. 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.”

“Madilynn enjoyed playing with dolls, getting dirty in the yard, and living wild and free beside her besties.”

Local media confirmed that Hadaway is being held at the Chambers County Detention Facility with no bond.

Lanett is located along the Chattahoochee River and the Georgia state line in eastern Alabama. It has a population of around 6,750 people.