Stephen Robert Stay, a 39-year-old man from Spring, Texas, tragically lost his life on July 9, 2014. He was part of a family of six who were fatally shot in their home by Ronald Lee Haskell Jr., who was seeking his ex-wife. Stephen's wife, Katie Stay, and their four children—ages 4, 7, 9, and 13—were also killed in the attack. The only survivor was their 15-year-old daughter, Cassidy Stay, who played dead and later identified Haskell as the perpetrator.
Haskell, who had been married
to Katie Stay's sister, had disguised himself 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. After the massacre, Haskell fled the scene but was later apprehended by police following a standoff. He was charged with multiple counts of capital murder and, in 2019, was sentenced to death for his crimes.
The tragic event shook the community and led to a lengthy legal process, culminating in Haskell's death sentence. The Stay family's story is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of justice for victims and their families.
