Mary Evelyn Hayes, a 46-year-old woman from Woodloch, Texas, tragically lost her life on July 15, 1999. She was murdered by her husband, Larry Allen Hayes, in a violent spree that also claimed the life of 18-year-old Rosalyn Ann Robinson. Larry Hayes shot Mary seven times with a .44 caliber pistol at their home before fleeing to a nearby convenience store where he shot and killed the store clerk.
Larry Hayes was arrested shortly after the murders when he was spotted by a customer at the convenience store who alerted the police. He was found hiding in a truck stop in Goodrich, Texas, with a gun in his waistband. The police investigation revealed that Larry had been arguing with Mary about her alleged affair, which led to the tragic events of that night.
Larry Hayes was charged with capital murder for the deaths of Mary Hayes and Rosalyn Robinson. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence of the heated arguments and the discovery of the affair, which they argued led to Larry's rage and the subsequent murders. The defense argued that Larry's actions were not premeditated but rather a result of uncontrollable anger. However, the jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to death.
Larry Hayes waived all appeals and was executed by lethal injection on September 10, 2003. His execution drew attention as he was the first white person to be executed in Texas for killing a black person.
The case of Mary Hayes and Rosalyn Robinson remains a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues to prevent future tragedies.
