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.
A tragic stabbing incident occurred Wednesday afternoon at Santa Ana High School, resulting in the death of one student and injuries to two others, according to local authorities.
The violence broke out on campus shortly after the conclusion of the school day.
Santa Ana police reported that three male students were stabbed during the altercation.
One of the victims succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The two remaining students sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators are actively searching for two suspects believed to be involved in the attack.
Both individuals are reportedly high school students, although it has not yet been confirmed whether they are enrolled at Santa Ana High School.
The motive behind the stabbing remains under investigation. However, the Santa Ana Unified School District informed that preliminary information suggests the incident may be gang-related.
In a message distributed to parents and guardians, the school district emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the campus or surrounding community:
“Please be assured that there is no immediate threat to the school or surrounding area. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
In response to the incident, all after-school programs and activities were canceled for the remainder of the day. The district also announced that crisis counselors will be available on Thursday to provide support to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.