Who is Cayson McClung? Alabama boy, 10, gets wounded while trying to protect mom from boyfriend in murder-suicide case
SHEFFIELD, ALABAMA: Ashley McClung, an Alabama woman was killed in a murder-suicide even as her 10-year-old son Cayson McClung bravely tried to shield her, suffering serious injuries as a result.
The 38-year-old mother was killed by her boyfriend Christopher Narmore who then turned the gun on himself on Sunday, October 29, reported People.
What led to Ashley McClung's death in the murder-suicide?
According to the outlet, Ashley and Narmore got into an argument that "escalated" at Park Place Apartments in Sheffield that Sunday, on October 29.
"The boyfriend had a gun and tried to shoot the mother and [Cayson] got into a tussle with the boyfriend," stated Ricky Terry of the Sheffield Police Department.
"He raised his arm up and that’s when the boyfriend shot the juvenile, then he shot the mother, then he killed himself."
The 10-year-old boy's school principal issued a public statement following the incident and revealed that Cayson was trying to protect his mother when he was shot in the face and arm.
When medics and police arrived at the scene, the 10-year-old was found seriously wounded but conscious and was able to explain the tragic sequence of events to authorities.
Cayson McClung underwent surgeries following the shooting
Terry later stated that Cayson who is currently listed as stable had two surgeries following the shooting.
"Doctors were able to save his arm. They got a lot of the lead out of his face from the shotgun injury," stated Terry.
New Bethel Elementary School acknowledged in a Facebook post that the young boy was wounded.
"We are pouring out prayers for all of those hurting today and rallying to provide support for Cayson," read the school's post.
Terry stated in a press release that an investigation into the case is ongoing.
Tributes pour in for Cayson's mother Ashley McClung
A GoFundMe page was set up following Ashley's death and the fundraiser identified her as Ashley Lynn Newton.
As of Saturday morning, the fundraiser aimed at raising $10,000 to assist her family with the costs of the funeral and burial and to meet Cayson's medical expenses has raised $3,500.
The fatal victim's friends and family members paid tributes to her on social media and on her memorial page.
Ashley's sister Tonya Willis took to Facebook to share that they are waiting for the 10-year-old boy to be home before making arrangements for his mother.
"Ashley was a loving and devoted mother, attended all of her children’s sporting events and activities," her obituary page stated.
"She loved fishing, singing, and going to the beach."