Denise Hayes, 41, of Orlando was found dead inside a vacant home on August 24, 2018, where she had been caring for her two young grandchildren, ages 2 and 3. Neighbors called 911 after the children were seen wandering alone in the street. Deputies determined Hayes died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Hayes and her partner, 57-year-old Bobby Lee Story, had been squatting in the house. Story, who had a long criminal history and had spent decades in state and federal prison for convictions including burglary, grand theft and armed robbery, was identified as the primary suspect. Investigators say Story fled the area after the killing but was later arrested in Tampa on an unrelated attempted murder charge. Detectives reported finding Story’s fingerprints at the scene, witness statements alleging he confessed, and possession of a diaper bag belonging to Hayes. Forensic testing of discarded clothing that reportedly contained both his and Hayes’ DNA is also described.

In November 2022 Story was charged with second-degree murder after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case. Witnesses told investigators Story had a history of threatening and attacking Hayes; family members recalled at least one prior stabbing of a relative who tried to intervene.

If anyone knew Denise, her movements that day, or has information about what happened at that house, please share what is known.