Gabbi Doolin was tragically murdered in 2015. The 7-year-old girl was attending a youth football game in Scottsville, Kentucky, when she disappeared. Her body was later found in a nearby creek. Timothy Madden was arrested and charged with her murder, and in 2019, he pleaded guilty to the crime, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Gabbi Doolin’s death was a heartbreaking event that shook the small community of Scottsville. On November 14, 2015, she was at Allen County-Scottsville High School to cheer on her brothers who were playing in a youth football game. Gabbi went missing during the event, prompting a search by family, friends, and law enforcement. Sadly, within an hour, her body was discovered in a wooded area near the football field.
The investigation into her murder was swift, with evidence leading to the arrest of Timothy Madden, a local man with children who also participated in the youth sports league. The case against Madden included DNA evidence that linked him to the crime scene and to Gabbi Doolin. The community was shocked to learn that the perpetrator was a familiar face, someone they had seen at community events and sports games.
Madden’s trial was initially delayed due to various motions and the complexity of the case. However, before the trial could take place, Madden entered a guilty plea to avoid the death penalty. He admitted to kidnapping, raping, sodomizing, and murdering Gabbi Doolin. The plea deal spared the Doolin family the ordeal of a trial and ensured that Madden would spend the rest of his life in prison.
The loss of Gabbi Doolin had a profound impact on the Scottsville community, leading to an outpouring of support for the Doolin family. Her memory is honored through various community initiatives and events aimed at protecting children and keeping her spirit alive.
