On March 7, 2024, at about 3:22 p.m., Abilene police responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 4300 block of Mary Lou Lane. Officers found 66-year-old Denise Gray inside the home with a fatal gunshot wound; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her sister, 55-year-old Donna Guerra, also suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital.

The suspect, identified as 67-year-old Floyd Lane Hardison, Denise Gray’s ex-husband, was at the scene and taken into custody without incident. Authorities said all three adults lived together and no other parties were involved. Hardison was charged with murder and aggravated assault, and a Taylor County grand jury later indicted him in connection with Denise Gray’s death and Donna Guerra’s injury.

Denise Gray was born January 13, 1958, in Hamlin, Texas. She trained and worked in nursing, progressing from CNA to LVN, then RN, and completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A memorial service was held March 16, 2024, at North’s Funeral Home in Abilene. Does anyone have information about Denise’s life in the community or the household that could help clarify what happened?