In the small community of Limestone, Tennessee, the life of 37-year-old Stacey Hayes was cut short on June 8, 2015. A lifelong resident of the Ducktown community and a graduate of Daniel Boone High School, Hayes was known as a true cowboy with a deep love for horses. He was remembered by friends and family as a man with a heart of gold, a devoted father who loved his children unconditionally and was always willing to help those in need.
The circumstances surrounding Hayes's death led to a criminal investigation that pointed to another Limestone resident, David Wiles. Initially, investigators charged Wiles with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Hayes. The case, however, experienced delays as the prosecution awaited ballistics test results from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
As the legal process moved forward, the charge against David Wiles was amended. The Greene County Circuit Court Clerk confirmed that the case was bound over to the grand jury on the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. While awaiting the grand jury's decision, Wiles was released on a $125,000 bond. The protracted nature of the legal proceedings was a source of frustration and sorrow for Stacey Hayes's family, who sought justice and answers for his untimely death. The available online sources do not provide information on the outcome of the grand jury proceedings or any subsequent trial or conviction.
