In a quiet home on a November night in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, the lives of three women were tragically cut short in a burst of violence. Clara Edwards, a 68-year-old female, was among the victims of a triple homicide that stemmed from a domestic dispute. On the evening of November 16, 2015, a man named Donnie Lee Abernathy forced his way into a residence in the Round Mountain community, forever altering the lives of those inside.
Abernathy's deadly rampage was fueled by a child custody dispute with his ex-girlfriend. Inside the home, he opened fire, killing Clara Edwards, her 71-year-old sister Sylvia Sue Duffe, and Clara's 49-year-old daughter, Pamela Oshel. Another man in the house, John McClung, was also shot but survived his injuries. In the midst of the chaos, Abernathy abducted his ex-girlfriend before fleeing the scene.
The authorities were quick to respond. A police chase ensued, which ended when Abernathy crashed his vehicle. He was then taken into custody, and his kidnapped ex-girlfriend was found in the car. The investigation that followed painted a grim picture of a violent man who had resorted to murder over a family matter.
Donnie Lee Abernathy was charged with two counts of capital murder, attempted murder, first-degree criminal mischief, and attempting to elude law enforcement. In October 2021, a jury found him guilty on all charges. Following his conviction, the court sentenced Abernathy to death for the capital murder convictions. He also received a life sentence for the attempted murder, a ten-year sentence for criminal mischief, and a one-year sentence for attempting to elude. Court records show ongoing legal proceedings related to his appeal.
