A family have been left heartbroken after two stepsisters were shot and killed on Christmas Eve – with one of them leaving behind a two-year-old daughter.
Victims Kayden Lynch and Madison Daly were just 19 and 18 years old respectively.
Officers found them shot at their home in Beulah, Alabama, where they were later pronounced dead at the scene by the local coroner.
Police have arrested a suspect by the name of Jalen Dashawn Holmes for the alleged shooting, reports local press.
The 18-year-old is believed to have been the stepsisters’ neighbour.
He is reportedly being held in Lee County Jail without bond and faces five charges including capital murder.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about gunfire around 3.48pm on 24 December.
When attending the scene, they were directed to the victims’ residence and found them wounded and unresponsive.
Holmes had allegedly assaulted his mother before the incident.
Two nine-year-old twin girls had been at the home earlier that day but had left at the time of the shooting, according to a police statement shared with People.
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover funeral costs for Lynch and Daly, as well as to raise funds for Daly’s toddler daughter.
At the time of writing, the donations are at £4,500 ($5,650 USD) out of the £10,360 ($13,000 USD) target.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news: Kayden Lynch, age 19, and Madison Daly, age 18, were shot and killed on Christmas Eve,” wrote fundraising organiser Kathleen Kirby.
“This devastating incident has left our families and friends in profound grief.
“We are setting up this Fund for burial costs and anything there after.
“A portion of these proceeds will also be used to benefit Madison’s two-year old daughter, Nevaeh.
“We are hoping that justice will be served for this senseless act of violence.
“We will keep you all posted on services.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Jam Press has contacted Lee County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
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