Cayley Mandadi, a 19-year-old student at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, was a vibrant teenager who enjoyed school, sports, and spending time with friends. Described as someone with a big heart and a warm personality, Cayley was well-liked by many. Her life took a tragic turn in October 2017, leading to her untimely death.
Mandadi had been in a turbulent relationship with Mark Howerton, a 22-year-old who was not a student at Trinity but visited the campus frequently. Their relationship was marked by conflict and escalated to a point where Howerton was banned from campus after causing damage to Mandadi’s dorm room. Despite the warning signs, the couple continued to spend time together, including attending the Mala Luna Music Festival where the events leading to Cayley’s death unfolded.
On the day of the incident, Howerton and Mandadi got into an argument after encountering Cayley’s ex-boyfriend at the festival. The situation escalated, leading to physical intimacy in a parking lot, after which Cayley stopped breathing. Howerton rushed her to the emergency room, where she was found nearly unconscious and with visible bruises on her body.
Following Cayley’s tragic death, Mark Howerton was arrested and charged with murder and sexual assault. The subsequent trial shed light on the events that transpired that fateful day, with conflicting testimonies and theories presented by both the prosecution and the defense. Despite a hung jury in the first trial, Howerton was eventually found guilty of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury in the second trial, receiving a 20-year prison sentence.
Cayley’s parents, Alison Steele and Lawrence Baitland, were relentless in their pursuit of justice for their daughter. They conducted their investigation, uncovering vital evidence that contributed to Howerton’s conviction. Their efforts led to the passing of the CLEAR Alert Bill in Texas, aimed at assisting in locating missing persons between the ages of 18-64. Alison Steele’s advocacy work serves as a testament to her commitment to ensuring Cayley’s story makes a difference in the lives of others.
Despite the tragic outcome, Cayley’s memory lives on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends. Taylor Clement, Cayley’s best friend, fondly remembers their time together and cherishes the memories they shared. The impact of Cayley’s life and the quest for justice serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for victims and seeking accountability in the face of adversity.
