Strangers Donate Thousands to Girl Whose Ex-Uncle Executed Her Entire Family as She Prepares to Bury Them Wednesday
Complete strangers and well-wishers have donated more than $300,000 to help 15-year-old Cassidy Stay, the sole survivor of the brutal execution-style massacre carried out by her ex-uncle at her family's Texas home last Wednesday, which left her mother, father and four younger siblings dead.
Tuesday evening, a gofundme campaign established on behalf of Cassidy and the Stay family had already raised more than $311,000 of their $350,000 goal in just five days.
"This past week we have been shocked and deeply saddened with the senseless taking of the lives of Stephen and Katie Stay and four of their precious children, Bryan, Emily, Rebecca and Zachary," noted a message from the campaign's organizer, Jody Dellinger.
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"We have marveled at the protection given to their daughter, Cassidy, and her courage to act to save the lives of other members of her extended family," Dellinger continued.
According to a Reuters report, Cassidy's ex-uncle, Ronald Lee Haskell, 33, visited her family's home last Wednesday in search of his former wife who is related to the victims. Haskell held Cassidy and her siblings at gunpoint until their parents returned. Authorities says he then brought all seven family members into a room and shot them all, according to local media, execution-style. They were also reportedly bound, a description police did not confirm.
Police say Cassidy, who suffered a bullet wound to her head and left for dead, managed to call 911 and alert them that Haskell was headed to the home of relatives nearby. Police were able to apprehend him after a four-hour standoff. Cassidy's actions, police say, may have averted additional tragedy.
"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," her family said in a statement.
Just three days after the massacre of her family, Cassidy was out of the hospital thanking people for supporting her, according to a CBS report.
"Thank you all for coming and showing your support for me and my family. Stay strong," she said to an adoring crowd that had come out to honor her family. That report said she suffered a skull fracture and lost a part of her finger trying to protect herself from being shot.
Quoting Harry Potter, Cassidy who appeared surprisingly strong told her supporters: "Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light. I know that my mom, dad, Bryan, Emily, Becca and Zach are in a much better place and I'll be able to see them again one day."
The funeral for the Stay family will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 16 at the Hafer Road Chapel. The visitation will be held 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 at the Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive (north of the Houston Temple).
