Derrick Dearman, a death row inmate, massacred five family members of his then-girlfriend Laneta Lester in Citronelle, Alabama in August 2016. The victims included a husband and wife with a 3-month-old baby, high school sweethearts pregnant with their first child, and a caring brother. Dearman, armed with an ax and two guns, stormed into the home in a drug-fueled rage, killing the victims and kidnapping Lester and Randall’s baby. The crime shocked the small town of Citronelle and devastated the families of the victims.
The victims, Justin and Chelsea Reed, were described as amazing people who were excited to welcome their first child. Dearman’s relationship with Lester was described as volatile, with Dearman wanting power and control over her. When Lester told him to leave, he returned later that night and carried out the brutal killings. Lester, who escaped with the baby, was described as the seventh victim due to the trauma she suffered.
As Dearman’s execution approaches, family members of the victims are preparing to attend. While some express forgiveness and a desire for peace, others struggle with anger and thoughts of vengeance. The tragedy left a lasting impact on the community of Citronelle, with the families of the victims still grappling with the loss and trauma of their loved ones being taken in such a brutal manner. The upcoming execution may bring some sense of justice, but for many, there will never be closure for the pain and sorrow they continue to endure.
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