In the quiet community of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, a dispute over child custody escalated into a tragic act of violence that claimed the life of 49-year-old Pamala Oshel and two of her family members. On November 16, 2015, Donnie Lee Abernathy, a 38-year-old man from Centre, forced his way into a residence on County Road 664 in the Round Mountain community. Inside the home were his ex-girlfriend, her grandmother, and other relatives who were visiting.
Abernathy, armed and agitated, opened fire, killing three women: Pamala Oshel, her 68-year-old mother, Clara Edwards, and her 71-year-old aunt, Sylvia Sue Duffe. A man also present in the house was shot but survived his injuries. Following the shooting, Abernathy kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and fled the scene. His escape was short-lived, however, as law enforcement officers quickly located his vehicle. After a pursuit that ended when Abernathy crashed his car, he was taken into custody. His ex-girlfriend was found in the vehicle and was physically unharmed.
The investigation that followed revealed the motive behind the deadly rampage was a contentious custody battle between Abernathy and his ex-girlfriend. He was subsequently charged with two counts of capital murder, attempted murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree criminal mischief, and attempting to elude law enforcement.
In October 2021, a Cherokee County jury found Donnie Lee Abernathy guilty on all charges. The following month, he was sentenced to death by lethal injection for the capital murder convictions. In addition to the death sentence, he received a life sentence for the attempted murder charge. As of early 2024, Abernathy's case was in the appeals process, with his legal team pursuing post-conviction relief.
