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, is facing capital murder charges for the fatal shooting of the two young women, according to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.
Holmes, who was reportedly a neighbor of the victims, is being held in the Lee County Jail without bond and faces multiple charges, including capital murder, local media outlets reported. The stepsisters and roommates were discovered unresponsive in their shared home on US-29 North near Lee Road 2113 in the Beulah community.
Deputies responded to a gunfire report 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 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 handgun prior to entering the stepsisters’ home. While two 9-year-old twin girls had been at the residence earlier, they left before the shooting occurred and were unharmed.
Community members are struggling to process the shocking events. Residents told WSFA 12 they are baffled as to “how or why this could happen,” particularly during the holiday season. A GoFundMe fundraiser was created by family member Tyler Daly to help cover funeral expenses.
The page, which had surpassed its $5,000 goal by December 30, reads, “My sister and step-sister were killed on December 24th by their neighbor. I’m just looking to cover end-of-life costs. 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 mourns the loss of two young lives 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 reverberate through the Beulah community.