Ronald Lee Haskell
Familicide Mass Shooting
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Spring, Texas
TIME PERIOD
July 9, 2014
VICTIMS
6 confirmed
On July 9, 2014, a mass shooting occurred at a residence on Leaflet Lane in northern Harris County, Texas, where Ronald Lee Haskell, 34, fatally shot six family members, including four children, in a domestic dispute related to his ex-wife. Haskell, disguised as a FedEx employee, forced his way into the home, tied up the victims, and executed them "execution-style" when they could not provide information on his ex-wife's whereabouts. The only survivor, a 15-year-old girl named Cassidy, was able to identify Haskell to law enforcement, leading to his apprehension after a standoff. Haskell was convicted of capital murder on six counts and sentenced to death in 2019; he currently remains incarcerated as appeals are pending. Significant evidence includes Cassidy's eyewitness account and the 9mm caliber Springfield Armory XD semi-automatic pistol used in the crime.
Investigators and the public speculate that Ronald Lee Haskell's motive for the mass shooting was a domestic dispute stemming from his relationship with his ex-wife, leading to a targeted attack on her family. Some believe that Haskell's actions were premeditated, as he disguised himself as a FedEx employee to gain access to the home. There are also theories regarding the psychological state of Haskell, with discussions about potential mental health issues contributing to the violent incident.
Tragedy in Texas: The 2014 Harris County Shooting
The Crime Unfolds
On July 9, 2014, a horrific familicide took place in a quiet suburban home near Spring, Texas, a peaceful enclave in northern Harris County. This mass shooting claimed the lives of six family members, including four children, and left only one survivor. The perpetrator, Ronald Lee Haskell, 34, was quickly apprehended after a tense standoff with police. The motive? A domestic dispute tied to his ex-wife, who was related to the victims.
The Deadly Encounter
The day began like any other summer day in the Enchanted Oaks subdivision. But it took a dark turn when Haskell, disguised as a FedEx employee, arrived at 711 Leaflet Lane. The house belonged to his ex-wife's sister, and it was here that Haskell sought to confront his past. The door was answered by 15-year-old Cassidy Stay, who did not recognize him at first. Haskell asked for her parents, and upon learning they were not home, he left, only to return moments later. This time, he revealed himself as her ex-uncle. When Cassidy attempted to shut the door, Haskell forced his way inside, binding her and the rest of the family when they arrived.
In a chilling act of violence, Haskell demanded the whereabouts of his ex-wife. When no answers were forthcoming, he executed the family members "execution-style," shooting them in the back of the head with a 9 mm Springfield Armory XD semi-automatic pistol. After firing 13 shots, he fled in the family's car, leaving behind a scene of unimaginable horror.
The Survivor's Courage
Despite being shot, Cassidy Stay survived by pretending to be dead. The bullet had grazed her head and finger, leaving her with a skull fracture and an injured finger. Her quick thinking and bravery allowed her to identify Haskell to the police and warn them of his intentions to target her grandparents next. Her actions were instrumental in Haskell's capture and brought her widespread praise, leading to a significant outpouring of public support, including more than $406,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign.
The Pursuit and Capture
With Cassidy's critical information, law enforcement quickly located Haskell at a second home. A high-speed chase ensued, culminating in a standoff in a cul-de-sac three miles from the crime scene. It was a dramatic scene, involving two dozen patrol cars and ending with police disabling Haskell's vehicle with a spike strip. Cornered and holding a pistol to his head, Haskell engaged in tense negotiations with the police via cellphone. After three hours, he surrendered without further incident.
The Victims
The victims of this senseless act of violence were Stephen Robert Stay, 39, his wife Katie Stay, 33, and their four children: Bryan, 13; Emily, 9; Rebecca, 6; and Zachary, 4. The Stay family had moved to the Houston area in 2012 from California, with Stephen operating a real estate business. Two of the children attended Lemm Elementary School, while the oldest was a student at Schindewolf Intermediate School. Cassidy, the sole survivor, was a student at Klein Collins High School.
The Perpetrator: Ronald Lee Haskell
Ronald Lee Haskell Jr., born August 26, 1980, was no stranger to conflict and violence. Raised in San Marcos, California, he had a history that included a stint as a parcel delivery driver for a FedEx contractor. After his marriage to Melannie Kaye Lyon in 2002, Haskell's life took a darker turn. Residing in various locations, including Eagle River, Alaska, and Logan, Utah, he was known for his volatile behavior. His marriage ended in divorce in February 2014, with Melannie moving to Houston, aided by her sister Katie Stay.
Haskell's violent tendencies were not new. In 2008, he faced charges for domestic violence after an incident involving his wife, and in 2013, a protective order was filed against him. Yet, these signs went largely unheeded until the tragic events of July 9, 2014.
Legal Proceedings
Haskell was charged with six counts of capital murder on July 10, 2014. His initial court appearances were marked by dramatic collapses, but the legal process continued unabated. In August 2019, his trial commenced, and by September 26, he was found guilty of capital murder. The court sentenced him to death by lethal injection on October 11, 2019. He now awaits his fate on death row at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit near Livingston, Texas.
In Memoriam
The victims were laid to rest in a funeral service held at the Hafer Road chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a memorial service following at Lemm Elementary. The community mourned the loss deeply, and Cassidy's survival and bravery continue to inspire those who hear her story.
Sources
For more information, you can visit the detailed Wikipedia entry here.
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Mass Shooting Occurs
Ronald Lee Haskell shoots six family members execution-style in Harris County, Texas.
Survivor Identifies Shooter
15-year-old Cassidy Stay survives the shooting and identifies Haskell as the shooter.
Haskell Apprehended
After a standoff with police, Ronald Haskell surrenders following a chase.
Charges Filed
Ronald Haskell is charged with six counts of capital murder.
First Court Appearance
Haskell makes his first court appearance, collapsing during the proceedings.
Guilty Verdict
Ronald Haskell is found guilty of capital murder for the shooting.
Sentenced to Death
Haskell is sentenced to death by lethal injection.
On July 9, 2014, a mass shooting occurred at a residence on Leaflet Lane in northern Harris County, Texas, where Ronald Lee Haskell, 34, fatally shot six family members, including four children, in a domestic dispute related to his ex-wife. Haskell, disguised as a FedEx employee, forced his way into the home, tied up the victims, and executed them "execution-style" when they could not provide information on his ex-wife's whereabouts. The only survivor, a 15-year-old girl named Cassidy, was able to identify Haskell to law enforcement, leading to his apprehension after a standoff. Haskell was convicted of capital murder on six counts and sentenced to death in 2019; he currently remains incarcerated as appeals are pending. Significant evidence includes Cassidy's eyewitness account and the 9mm caliber Springfield Armory XD semi-automatic pistol used in the crime.
Investigators and the public speculate that Ronald Lee Haskell's motive for the mass shooting was a domestic dispute stemming from his relationship with his ex-wife, leading to a targeted attack on her family. Some believe that Haskell's actions were premeditated, as he disguised himself as a FedEx employee to gain access to the home. There are also theories regarding the psychological state of Haskell, with discussions about potential mental health issues contributing to the violent incident.
Tragedy in Texas: The 2014 Harris County Shooting
The Crime Unfolds
On July 9, 2014, a horrific familicide took place in a quiet suburban home near Spring, Texas, a peaceful enclave in northern Harris County. This mass shooting claimed the lives of six family members, including four children, and left only one survivor. The perpetrator, Ronald Lee Haskell, 34, was quickly apprehended after a tense standoff with police. The motive? A domestic dispute tied to his ex-wife, who was related to the victims.
The Deadly Encounter
The day began like any other summer day in the Enchanted Oaks subdivision. But it took a dark turn when Haskell, disguised as a FedEx employee, arrived at 711 Leaflet Lane. The house belonged to his ex-wife's sister, and it was here that Haskell sought to confront his past. The door was answered by 15-year-old Cassidy Stay, who did not recognize him at first. Haskell asked for her parents, and upon learning they were not home, he left, only to return moments later. This time, he revealed himself as her ex-uncle. When Cassidy attempted to shut the door, Haskell forced his way inside, binding her and the rest of the family when they arrived.
In a chilling act of violence, Haskell demanded the whereabouts of his ex-wife. When no answers were forthcoming, he executed the family members "execution-style," shooting them in the back of the head with a 9 mm Springfield Armory XD semi-automatic pistol. After firing 13 shots, he fled in the family's car, leaving behind a scene of unimaginable horror.
The Survivor's Courage
Despite being shot, Cassidy Stay survived by pretending to be dead. The bullet had grazed her head and finger, leaving her with a skull fracture and an injured finger. Her quick thinking and bravery allowed her to identify Haskell to the police and warn them of his intentions to target her grandparents next. Her actions were instrumental in Haskell's capture and brought her widespread praise, leading to a significant outpouring of public support, including more than $406,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign.
The Pursuit and Capture
With Cassidy's critical information, law enforcement quickly located Haskell at a second home. A high-speed chase ensued, culminating in a standoff in a cul-de-sac three miles from the crime scene. It was a dramatic scene, involving two dozen patrol cars and ending with police disabling Haskell's vehicle with a spike strip. Cornered and holding a pistol to his head, Haskell engaged in tense negotiations with the police via cellphone. After three hours, he surrendered without further incident.
The Victims
The victims of this senseless act of violence were Stephen Robert Stay, 39, his wife Katie Stay, 33, and their four children: Bryan, 13; Emily, 9; Rebecca, 6; and Zachary, 4. The Stay family had moved to the Houston area in 2012 from California, with Stephen operating a real estate business. Two of the children attended Lemm Elementary School, while the oldest was a student at Schindewolf Intermediate School. Cassidy, the sole survivor, was a student at Klein Collins High School.
The Perpetrator: Ronald Lee Haskell
Ronald Lee Haskell Jr., born August 26, 1980, was no stranger to conflict and violence. Raised in San Marcos, California, he had a history that included a stint as a parcel delivery driver for a FedEx contractor. After his marriage to Melannie Kaye Lyon in 2002, Haskell's life took a darker turn. Residing in various locations, including Eagle River, Alaska, and Logan, Utah, he was known for his volatile behavior. His marriage ended in divorce in February 2014, with Melannie moving to Houston, aided by her sister Katie Stay.
Haskell's violent tendencies were not new. In 2008, he faced charges for domestic violence after an incident involving his wife, and in 2013, a protective order was filed against him. Yet, these signs went largely unheeded until the tragic events of July 9, 2014.
Legal Proceedings
Haskell was charged with six counts of capital murder on July 10, 2014. His initial court appearances were marked by dramatic collapses, but the legal process continued unabated. In August 2019, his trial commenced, and by September 26, he was found guilty of capital murder. The court sentenced him to death by lethal injection on October 11, 2019. He now awaits his fate on death row at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit near Livingston, Texas.
In Memoriam
The victims were laid to rest in a funeral service held at the Hafer Road chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a memorial service following at Lemm Elementary. The community mourned the loss deeply, and Cassidy's survival and bravery continue to inspire those who hear her story.
Sources
For more information, you can visit the detailed Wikipedia entry here.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Mass Shooting Occurs
Ronald Lee Haskell shoots six family members execution-style in Harris County, Texas.
Survivor Identifies Shooter
15-year-old Cassidy Stay survives the shooting and identifies Haskell as the shooter.
Haskell Apprehended
After a standoff with police, Ronald Haskell surrenders following a chase.
Charges Filed
Ronald Haskell is charged with six counts of capital murder.
First Court Appearance
Haskell makes his first court appearance, collapsing during the proceedings.
Guilty Verdict
Ronald Haskell is found guilty of capital murder for the shooting.
Sentenced to Death
Haskell is sentenced to death by lethal injection.