On March 7, 2024, at approximately 3:22 p.m., Abilene Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 4300 block of Mary Lou Lane in south Abilene, Texas. Upon arrival, they discovered 66-year-old Denise Gray inside the home with a fatal gunshot wound; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her sister, 55-year-old Donna Guerra, also suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The suspect, identified as 67-year-old Floyd Lane Hardison, Denise Gray's ex-husband, was present at the scene and taken into custody without incident. Authorities reported that all three individuals resided together in the home, and no other parties were involved in the incident.
Following his arrest, Hardison was charged with murder and aggravated assault. In May 2024, a Taylor County grand jury indicted him in connection with the shooting death of Denise Gray and the injury of Donna Guerra.
Denise Gray was born on January 13, 1958, in Hamlin, Texas, to Myrna Zoann Current and Joseph Vernon Smart Sr. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from LeTourneau University in 2002. Motivated by the loss of her sister-in-law to a drunk driver in 2006, Denise pursued a career in nursing. She began as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and, by 2009, became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Continuing her education, she achieved Registered Nurse (RN) status in 2011 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2012. Denise was dedicated to her profession and found her calling in nursing.
A memorial service for Denise Gray was held on March 16, 2024, at North's Funeral Home in Abilene, where family and friends gathered to honor her memory and celebrate her life.
This tragic incident marked Abilene's first homicide of 2024, leaving the community in shock and mourning the loss of Denise Gray. Neighbors expressed their grief, with one stating, "I feel like I've lost two friends," reflecting the close-knit nature of the community and the impact of this devastating event.
