An Alabama mother lost her life while her 10-year old son ended up seriously wounded while trying to protect her from her boyfriend in a murder-suicide shooting.
Police in Sheffield, Alabama identified the victim s Ashley Lynn McClung, 38 and her boyfriend as Christopher Narmore, 40, who subsequently died by suicide.
Chief Ricky Terry of the Sheffield Police Department said, “It was a horrific scene to come across. A mother sadly lost her life in front of her young son, who bravely tried to protect his mother.”
A GoFundMe and a memorial set in her name, shared by McClung’s loved ones on social media, identify her as Ashley Lynn Newton and Ashley Lynn Newton McClung, respectively.
Her son, Cayson McClung, 10, was shot in the face and arm as he tried to protect his mother.
“Ashley and Narmore were in an argument that escalated on Sunday evening. The boyfriend had a gun and tried to shoot the mother and Cayson got into a tussle with the boyfriend. He raised his arm up and that’s when the boyfriend shot the juvenile, then he shot the mother, then he killed himself,” Terry explained in detail about the incident.
“Cayson was seriously injured but conscious when medics and police arrived,” Terry added. “He was able to tell police what happened.”
Cayson has undergone two surgeries and is currently in stable condition. Doctors were able to save the boy’s arm. They also got a lot of the lead out of his face from the shotgun injury.
In a Facebook post, New Bethel Elementary School acknowledged that Cayson was injured.
“We are pouring out prayers for all of those hurting today and rallying to provide support for Cayson,” the school’s post said.
Since her death, friends and family members have shared tributes to Ashley on social media, on the GoFundMe fundraiser and on her memorial page. In a Facebook post, her sister Tonya Willis said they are waiting for Cayson to be home before proceeding with any arrangements for Ashley.
“Ashley was a loving and devoted mother, attended all of her children’s sporting events and activities,” read her obituary page. “She loved fishing, singing, and going to the beach.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
