On December 1, 2024, in St. Cloud, Florida, 58-year-old Natalie "Dawn" Du'Mee was tragically killed, allegedly by her fiancé, 57-year-old Timothy Hyder. The couple had been attending a football watch party earlier that day, during which they reportedly engaged in a heated argument. During this dispute, Du'Mee informed Hyder that she was calling off their engagement and returned the engagement ring to him.
Upon returning to their residence on Western Sun Drive, the argument continued. According to police reports, Hyder retrieved a .357 revolver from a closet and confronted Du'Mee on the back patio. He allegedly asked her if she was certain about not wanting to marry him; when she affirmed, he reportedly shot her in the back of the head.
Du'Mee's adult daughter was present in the home at the time of the incident. She recounted hearing the couple arguing, followed by a loud noise. Upon investigating, she discovered her mother bleeding from the head and mouth. Hyder allegedly told her, "It's over, I blew her brains out," and instructed her to call 911.
When law enforcement arrived shortly before 1 a.m., they found Du'Mee deceased on the back patio and a handgun in plain sight on the kitchen counter. Hyder was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with second-degree murder. During police interviews, he expressed regret, stating that he "snapped" and wished he could take back his actions.
The St. Cloud Police Department extended condolences to Du'Mee's family and emphasized the importance of seeking help in situations of domestic violence. They urged individuals in similar circumstances to reach out to trusted friends, family members, or local domestic violence hotlines, underscoring that support is available and that no one is alone.
