Jimmy Franklin Guinn was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday, May 30th, and is being held on a $500,000 bond as of Wednesday, May 31st. Guinn is accused of crashing a stolen truck and killing a couple, Alyna Elder and Nathaniel Ashworth, in the crash.
According to Alyna’s family, she and her boyfriend were about to get engaged at the time they were killed in the crash and were looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together.
Her father, Scott, said, “There’s a hole in my heart, you know? It’ll probably never be repaired.”
Her mother spoke out about the incident as well, saying that Alyna’s cousin was headed to the same spot Alyna and Nathaniel were going to: the community center to celebrate a wedding anniversary. While there, the cousin saw the crashed truck and had a sinking feeling when he realized what happened. Charlene, the mother, said, “He knew that she drove a green S-10 pickup and that’s what he saw. When he saw the crash, he knew that he already knew that they probably were gone because of how devastating the crash was.” Speaking about the love been Alyna and Nathaniel, she added, “Alyna was his first love, but he knew that she was his last. He loved her so much.”
The crash that killed Alyna and Nathaniel occurred because Guinn, 19, allegedly stole a truck and the Kansas Highway Patrol attempted to stop the suspect in the stolen truck, but he blew past them and led the patrol officers on a chase. Guinn, the suspect, then allegedly crashed head-on into Alyna and Nathaniel’s vehicle, a truck, killing them.
Guinn was charged with a slew of crimes for the double homicide and truck theft. He was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, possession of stolen property, flee or attempt to elude, failure to stop at and accident, and failure to report damaging an unattended vehicle or property.
A GoFundMe was created to help the couple’s families pay for their funeral. It has already raised more than the asked-for $18,000 and says, “We are heartbroken, angry and numb. My beautiful niece and her soon to be fiancee were killed today from someone being chased by the police just south of Derby, Ks. Senseless tragedy. Now not only do we have to deal with this tragedy but now figure out to pay for these beautiful souls funeral expenses. If you are able to donate ANYTHING PLEASE HELP ASAP.”
An update to the GoFundMe posted after it raised the full amount requested and then some said, “We the families of the babies that were taken are so overwhelmed with everyone’s love, support and generosity. We are able to lay them to rest without worry. But there’s still a long road ahead for healing and a lot to overcome. God bless each and every one of you. Thank you so much.”
Featured image credit: Sedgwick County Jail and GoFundMe
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