Two teenagers, stepsisters Kayden Lynch, 19, and Madison Daly, 18, were tragically shot and killed in their home in Beulah, Alabama. The incident occurred on December 24, leaving the community in shock. Both young women were found unresponsive with gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected perpetrator, an 18-year-old neighbor named Jalen Dashawn Holmes, was present at the scene when authorities arrived. He was taken into custody and has remained in jail since the incident. Holmes has been charged with capital murder for the deaths of Lynch and Daly, with the investigation still ongoing.
The fatal shooting occurred in the afternoon, with 911 calls reporting gunfire in the neighborhood at approximately 3:48 p.m. Authorities revealed that Holmes had allegedly assaulted his own mother at their home before crossing over to Lynch and Daly’s residence, armed with a handgun. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving friends and family searching for answers.
Lynch and Daly, who were stepsisters and roommates, were described as having a close bond. Daly was also the mother of a toddler, though it is unclear whether the child was present at the time of the shooting. Authorities noted that two 9-year-old twin girls were in the house earlier that day but had left before the incident occurred. Their connection to the victims has not been clarified.
The devastating loss has left friends and loved ones reeling. A friend of the victims shared that Lynch had known Holmes and even expressed feelings for him, making the tragedy all the more incomprehensible. “She was in love with him,” the friend said, reflecting the disbelief felt by those close to the victims.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a family member of Daly created a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses for both victims. The initiative has received an outpouring of support from the community, nearing its financial goal. The family expressed their gratitude for the assistance during this difficult time, calling the situation a “nightmarish” ordeal.
The investigation into the double homicide continues, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting. Holmes faces severe charges, and his actions have left a lasting impact on the community. As the case unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice for Lynch and Daly and supporting their grieving families.
