A Kentucky man has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison after pleading guilty to murdering his girlfriend and her 18-year-old sister during a shooting in Ashland in 2022.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
John Tooson, 36, appeared in Boyd Circuit Court where he pleaded 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. The court imposed two life sentences without the possibility of parole for 25 years, meaning Tooson will become eligible for parole only after serving at least 25 years under Kentucky law.
The Crime
Prosecutors stated that 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 sister, Summer Algarakhuly, 18. Authorities noted that Summer's newborn daughter was in another room during the shooting. After the killings, Tooson fled Kentucky and was later captured in Ohio.
Impact on the Family
During the sentencing hearing, family members described the lasting impact the murders have had on the victims' children. One relative, who is now raising Summer's daughter, said, “I was only ever supposed to be her aunt. She will never know what it feels like to run into her mother Summer’s arms after a bad day.”
Prosecutor and Attorney General Statements
Boyd County Commonwealth's Attorney Rhonda Copley stated, “The plea and sentencing of John Tooson brings accountability for the senseless and tragic loss of two young lives, Selina and Summer.” Attorney General Russell Coleman added, “A mother can never be replaced. The sentences delivered do not heal the emptiness left behind, but, we hope, provide justice for all those who loved these two young women.”
