Grief-Stricken Ex-Wife Of Texas Shooter Who Executed Family Of 6 Blames Herself

Ronald Lee Haskell is allegedly behind the slaying of his sister-in-law and her family in Texas on July 9. Ron shot all seven people in the Stay family, execution style, in their home. Ron's ex-wife blames herself for his horrific act, according to a new report. Melanie Lyon married Ronald Lee Haskell, 34, in 2002. She ultimately divorced Ron after 11 years of marriage because he was abusive and violent. Melanie's ex-husband allegedly shot and killed her sister — and her sister’s husband and children — and Melanie sadly believes she is one of the reasons behind Ron's gruesome act, a new interview and report reveals.

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July 12, 2014 1:25PM EDT
Ron Haskell Ex Wife Melanie Lyon
Image Credit: SplashNews, Courtesy of Facebook

Ronald Lee Haskell: Ex-Wife Melanie Lyon Blames Herself For The Shooting

This is such a tragedy — your ex-husband killing your sister and her family. Ron allegedly kept his five innocent nieces and nephews — ranging from ages 4 to 15 — and their parents Katie and Stephen Stay hostage for hours before shooting all of them and killing all but one. Katie is the sister to Melanie, who was married to Ron. Melanie feels that her ex-husband’s shooting of her sister is because of her. 

Al Barker is the lawyer who represented Melanie Lyon in her divorce from Ron. He opened up to The Daily Mail about Melanie’s thoughts after this terrible act. 

“It was a really brief conversation, I was trying to call Melanie to express my condolences, but her mom answered. I asked her how Melanie was doing and she told me that Melanie was in shock over what happened,” Al told Daily Mail.

“Melanie’s mother told me something that her daughter had said after the incident,” he admitted. “She said that she had to pay the ultimate price for freedom. That sounds like something Melanie would have said, knowing her, it’s something that would have come out of her mouth. But I felt terrible because it is not her fault.”

This is such a devastating tragedy for all involved, including Melanie. She’s lost her sister, her brother-in-law and her nieces and nephews. And her ex-husband is allegedly behind the murders.

Ronald Lee Haskell: Texas Shooter Collapses In Court

On Friday, July 11, the accused killer made his first court appearance for his July 9 crime. While prosecutors read the charges being pressed against Ron, including six counts of capital murder, he collapsed onto the floor twice.

Ron first fell to the ground during his probable cause hearing, according to AP. Moments after his first fall, Ron fell again and was ultimately lifted into a wheelchair and rolled out of the courtroom after the hearing ended.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Stay and Lyon families at this time.

— Megan Ross

More Stay Family Shooting News:

  1. Cassidy Stay: Teen Played Dead To Escape Uncle’s Shooting Rampage
  2. Texas Family Shooting: Brave Final Moments Before Jealous Uncle Slayed Family
  3. Man Kills His 4 Nieces & Nephews, 2 More In Texas Shooting Rampage