Who was Hailey Dempsey? Florida mom behind the ‘worst’ family murder-suicide scene in 34 years
A Florida police chief revealed how a mother's argument with her husband over pornography on his phone led to a murder-suicide.
Hailey Dempsey, a 27-year-old mother from Plant City, Florida, was responsible for a tragic family murder-suicide that occurred on May 3, 2022. The incident involved her 55-year-old mother, Valerie DeBoe, and her three young daughters. According to Plant City Police Chief Richard Mills Jr, Hailey shot and killed her mother at their North Burton Street home. She then took her three daughters and shot two of them before taking her own life.
Police had been called to the Dempsey household three times in the two days prior to the incident. The first call was on May 1 after Hailey discovered pornography on her husband Jay Dempsey's phone and had a verbal argument with him. The second call came later that day when Hailey believed a tracking device had been placed on her car, though no device was found. On the third day, she left the house with her mother and children, staying at a hotel overnight.
The next day, Hailey called police to request their presence at their home to collect clothing while her husband was away. Police later found four gunshots in the 900 block of North Wheeler Street, but initially did not find the victims. An hour later, a witness reported finding several people who appeared to have been shot, and police discovered Hailey, her 4-year-old daughter, her 4-month-old daughter, and her surviving 2-year-old daughter near 303 W. Tever St. Hailey and the two younger children were later found deceased. The 2-year-old survived after Hailey allegedly missed her shot.
Jay Dempsey was detained by police initially due to possible involvement but was later ruled out as a suspect after a thorough investigation. Police found indications of mental illness involving the case, though they did not provide further details. Chief Mills described the investigation process as one that required patience, diligence, and precision. He also stated that the crime scene he witnessed during the investigation was the worst he had ever seen in his 34-year law enforcement career.
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