Crime
Clarke County Shooting: Three Dead, One Critically Injured in Apparent Murder-Suicide
CLARKE COUNTY, Ala. — The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office has released further details regarding a devastating domestic violence incident that left three individuals dead and one child seriously injured in an apparent double homicide-suicide.
In a formal news release, authorities identified the victims as 39-year-old Ashley Danielle Howell and her two children, 8-year-old Jayden Howell and 11-year-old Jayln Howell.
The suspected gunman, 43-year-old Edward Bernard Raine, was also found deceased at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Deputies responded to a home on Mary Aquilla Road in the Whatley community at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, after receiving a request for a welfare check.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered 11-year-old Jayln Howell suffering from a gunshot wound.
She was immediately transported to Grove Hill Hospital and later airlifted to a trauma center in Mobile, where she remains in serious condition.
Inside the residence, deputies located the bodies of Ashley Howell and her 8-year-old son, Jayden Howell. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Edward Raine was found deceased nearby, with evidence indicating he died by suicide.
“This heartbreaking act of violence has deeply impacted our community,” a spokesperson for the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Ashley Danielle Howell, and we are committed to seeking justice and answers through our ongoing investigation.”
The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office is working in collaboration with the Jackson, Grove Hill, and Thomasville police departments, as well as the First Judicial Major Crimes Task Force.
In response to the tragedy, the Clarke County School Board is providing grief counseling and support services to students and staff at the schools where the children attended.
“We ask the community to continue lifting Ashley’s surviving daughter in your prayers as she begins her road to recovery,” the release said. “Additionally, please remember the grieving family and neighbors who are navigating the aftermath of this unimaginable loss.”
The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.