Alabama Mother Charged After 2-Year-Old Daughter Was Found Bound and Face Down

A call about a child who was not breathing has developed into a disturbing murder case in eastern Alabama. More than a month after 2-year-old Madilynn Grace Hadaway died, authorities charged her mother, 22-year-old Sierra Shay Hadaway, with murder.

Investigators allege that Madilynn’s arms, legs and ankles had been bound before she was placed face down on a bed for more than 12 hours. Authorities believe the toddler died from asphyxiation, but the criminal case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Hadaway have not yet been proven in court.

The investigation has another troubling element. Christian Myles Sturkie, identified by authorities as a second suspect, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 14, two days after Madilynn’s death. Officials have not publicly explained what role they believe he played in the case.

Deputies responded to a report of a child not breathing

Deputies and Lanett EMS were sent to a residence on County Road 187 in the Cusseta area at approximately 9 a.m. on June 12. First responders were told that a 2-year-old child was not breathing, and deputies attempted to provide lifesaving care until paramedics arrived.

Madilynn was transported to East Alabama Medical Center Lanier, where she was pronounced dead. Her body was then taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding her death.

What authorities say they discovered transformed the case from a child-death investigation into a homicide prosecution. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office said investigators determined that “the child’s arms, legs and ankles were bound” before she was left face down for more than 12 hours. Officials added, “It is believed the child died from asphyxiation.”

Authorities have not released several details that could become important as the case moves forward. They have not publicly disclosed what was allegedly used to restrain Madilynn, who initially called emergency services or what explanation investigators were given about the toddler’s condition.

Those unanswered questions are significant, but they are not an invitation to speculate. The sheriff’s office, the Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences are continuing to investigate.

A second suspect died two days later

Investigators also identified Christian Myles Sturkie as a suspect. Authorities said Sturkie died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 14, exactly two days after Madilynn was found unresponsive.

A later local report described Sturkie as Hadaway’s alleged boyfriend. However, law enforcement has not publicly detailed his relationship with Madilynn or explained the evidence that caused investigators to identify him as a suspect.

His death means investigators cannot question him in court or bring criminal charges against him. It also leaves a major part of the case dependent on physical evidence, witness statements, forensic findings and any communications investigators may have obtained.

Hadaway was taken into custody and initially held at the Chambers County Detention Facility without bond. She later appeared for an Aniah’s Law hearing, a proceeding used in Alabama to decide whether someone accused of certain serious crimes should remain detained while the case is pending.

Assistant District Attorney Taylor-Lee Stokes said prosecutors wanted Hadaway to remain behind bars. Addressing the limits on what could be revealed publicly, Stokes said, “Like all cases, the investigation’s ongoing, and I can’t comment on any further details.”

Stokes said the case could proceed through a preliminary hearing before being presented to a grand jury. A grand jury would then determine whether sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment and move the prosecution toward trial.

Madilynn’s family remembers a joyful little girl

Away from the court filings and investigative statements, Madilynn’s obituary offers a picture of the child whose life was lost. Born on September 22, 2023, she was known to relatives and friends as “Maddie.” She was only 2 years old when she died in Valley, Alabama, on June 12.

Her obituary remembered her as a curious, joyful child who loved dolls, playing outside, and spending time with her young friends. It said her “bright smile, curious spirit, and joyful heart brought life to everyone who knew her.”

Madilynn’s funeral was held on June 24, followed by a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery. She left behind her parents, a sister, and an extended family that described her brief life as being filled with laughter and affection.

Hadaway is charged, not convicted, and she is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless prosecutors prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. For now, the central verified facts remain stark: a 2-year-old girl died after allegedly being restrained and left face down for hours, her mother faces a murder charge, and another person identified as a suspect died before investigators publicly explained his alleged involvement.

The legal process may eventually answer some of the questions surrounding Madilynn’s final hours. Whatever the court determines, the case begins with the loss of a little girl remembered by her family for her bright smile and fearless love of playing outdoors.