Texas father who killed family had a history of domestic violence: reports

Los Angeles: The Texas man accused of slaughtering six members of his ex-wife’s family, including four children, has been charged with murder amid reports he had previously been arrested for domestic violence. Ronald Lee Haskell, 33, faces the death penalty for multiple counts of capital murder. The heavy-set blond man was in the custody of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office following an hours-long standoff with dozens of officers, including a SWAT team and hostage negotiators, late Wednesday. No bond was set and Haskell is due to be arraigned today. The motive behind the latest chapter in the epidemic of gun violence plaguing the US was not immediately known, but police suspect family troubles led to the bloodshed. Haskell forced his way into the home of his ex-wife’s sister in the Houston suburb of Spring while he was dressed as a FedEx delivery man, according to police. He demanded to see his ex-wife, Melannie Haskell. [caption id=“attachment_1614401” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] A Harris County Sheriffs Office handout mug shot obtained July 10, 2014 shows Ronald Lee Haskell, charged with killing a married couple and four children. AFP[/caption] But when she was not present, Haskell tied up the family’s eldest daughter, 15-year-old Cassidy, his ex-niece. When the rest of the family returned home, Haskell also tied up the other four children – two boys aged four and 13 and two girls aged seven and nine – as well as husband and wife Stephen Stay, 39, and Katie Stay, 33. Haskell then shot each member of the family in the back of the head execution-style, court documents showed. Cassidy Stay survived but was in critical condition. Before being airlifted to the hospital, she managed to tell police the gunman was headed next for her grandparents’ home. Katie Stay’s father, Roger Lyon, said the family was “shocked and devastated” by the tragedy. “Stephen and Katie Stay and their beautiful children were an amazing and resilient family. They lived to help others, both at church and in their neighborhood. We love them beyond words,” he said. “Cassidy Stay, 15, who survived the attack, is expected to make a full recovery. We are grateful for this miracle. We are in awe of her bravery and courage in calling 911, an act that is likely to have saved all of our lives. She is our hero.” AFP