A man has been sentenced to two life prison terms after pleading guilty to killing two young sisters in a 2022 shooting in Ashland, Kentucky, United States.
John Tooson, 36, received two life sentences in Boyd Circuit Court after pleading guilty to two counts of murder, first-degree robbery, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, wanton endangerment, and being a persistent felony offender.
Prosecutors said Tooson was in a relationship with 20-year-old Selina Easter when he entered her apartment in June 2022 and fatally shot her and her 18-year-old sister, Summer Algarakhuly.
Authorities said Summer’s newborn daughter was in another room during the shooting.
Tooson fled Kentucky after the killings but was later captured in Ohio.
During the sentencing hearing, family members described the devastating impact the murders have had on the victims’ children.
“I was only ever supposed to be her aunt,” one relative said while describing how she has been raising Summer’s daughter.
“She will never know what it feels like to run into her mother Summer’s arms after a bad day.”
“The plea and sentencing of John Tooson brings accountability for the senseless and tragic loss of two young lives, Selina and Summer,” Boyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rhonda Copley said in a statement.
Attorney General Russell Coleman added, “A mother can never be replaced. The sentences delivered do not heal the emptiness left behind, but we hope they provide justice for all those who loved these two young women.”
Under Kentucky law, Tooson will become eligible for parole after serving 25 years in prison.
