NASHVILLE – Ronald Spencer, 40, and Christy Shadowens, 48, are named in a grand jury indictment charging first-degree felony murder for the January 27, 2021 drug-related death of Shadowens’ nearly one-year-old niece.
Alayna Shadowens had been staying with the couple for several days when Christy Shadowens discovered her niece unresponsive and not breathing in the couple’s Bonnalynn Drive residence. The child was transported to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The medical examiner found that Alayna died of acute methamphetamine toxicity. The investigation, led by Youth Services Detective Edward Conrads, determined that both Ronald Spencer and Christy Shadowens were the sole care providers for Alayna at the time of her death and are responsible for narcotics in the home. The indictment also charges them with aggravated child neglect.
Spencer is currently in custody on un-related drug charges. Christy Shadowens may be in the Dickson area. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.
MNPD
