Emily Khristyne Stay, a 9-year-old girl of Caucasian ethnicity from Spring, Texas, tragically lost her life on July 9, 2014. She was one of six family members killed in their home that day. The Stay family was targeted by Ronald Haskell Jr., who had been married to Katie Stay's sister and posed as a FedEx worker to gain entry into their home. Haskell was reportedly angry about his recent divorce and sought out his ex-wife.
Upon entering the Stay residence, Haskell executed the family
members execution-style, including Emily Khristyne Stay, her parents Stephen and Katie Stay, and her siblings Rebecca, Zachary, and Bryan. Cassidy Stay, who was 15 years old at the time, survived the attack by playing dead until Haskell left. She later called the police and provided crucial information about the incident.
Ronald Haskell was arrested later that day and charged with multiple counts of capital murder. His trial faced numerous delays but eventually began in August 2019. The case drew significant media attention and public sympathy for the Stay family, who were remembered fondly by their community.
The tragic loss of Emily Khristyne Stay and her family members remains a somber reminder of the impact of domestic violence and the importance of community support in times of crisis.
