Katie Marie Stay, aged 34, was tragically killed on July 9, 2014, in Spring, Texas. She was one of six family members murdered in their home that day. Katie, along with her husband Stephen Stay and their four children—Zach , Rebecca , Emily , and Bryan —were shot execution-style by Ronald Lee Haskell. Cassidy Stay, Katie's 15-year-old daughter, was the sole survivor of the massacre.
Cassidy played dead until Haskell left the home, and then she called 911 to alert authorities.
Ronald Lee Haskell, who was married to Katie's sister, had been seeking revenge after a recent divorce. He allegedly posed as a FedEx worker to gain entry into the Stay family's home. Once inside, he tied up the family members and shot them execution-style. Haskell was arrested later that day and charged with multiple counts of capital murder.
The case faced numerous delays, but Haskell finally went to trial in August 2019. He was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death in October 2019. Cassidy Stay, now 20, has since become a symbol of strength and resilience, often speaking publicly about her experience and the hope that her family will be reunited one day.
The Stay family tragedy deeply affected the community, with hundreds attending the funeral services and offering support to Cassidy and other family members. The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of community support in the aftermath of such tragedies.
