A suspect has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting of Alabama stepsisters Kayden Lynch, 19, and Madison Daly, 18, on Christmas Eve. Jalen Dashawn Holmes, 18, faces capital murder charges in the shooting deaths of the two girls, according to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.
Holmes, who was allegedly a neighbor of the victims, is being held in the Lee County Jail without bail and faces multiple charges, including capital murder, according to local media outlets. reported. The stepsisters and roommates were found unresponsive in their shared home on US-29 North near Lee Road 2113 in the Beulah community.
Officers responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 3:48 p.m. on December 24 and found the two women suffering from gunshot wounds. Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton pronounced them dead at the scene. Madison Daly’s mother told her WKRG that Madison leaves behind a young daughter, adding another layer of heartbreak to the tragedy.
Sheriff’s officials revealed that Holmes had allegedly assaulted his mother at her nearby residence and taken a gun before entering the stepsisters’ home. Although twin 9-year-old girls had been at the residence before, they left before the shooting occurred and were unharmed.
Community members are struggling to process the shocking events. Residents said WSFA 12 They are baffled as to “how or why this could happen,” especially during the holiday season. TO GoFundMe Fundraiser was created by family member Tyler Daly to help cover funeral expenses.
The page, which had surpassed its goal of $5,000 on December 30, says: “My sister and stepsister were murdered on December 24 by their neighbor. I’m just looking to cover the costs at the end of its useful life. If you feel it in your heart to donate, I deeply appreciate the help in this nightmarish time.”
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under active investigation. Meanwhile, the community is mourning the loss of two young people in a devastating incident that has left many searching for answers.
Holmes’ arrest and the ongoing investigation offer some hope for justice, but the impact of the tragedy continues to resonate in the Beulah community.