Ron Lee Haskell, charged with 6 murders, appears in court, #collapses as judge reads charges. #hounews @News92FM pic.twitter.com/0oCJ5UjbVT
— Trey Westerburg (@treysanatomy) July 11, 2014
(SPRING, TX) – A man from Utah, who is charged with capital murder in the execution of six members of a Spring family, collapsed in a Houston courtroom Friday morning and was carried out in a wheelchair.
Ronald Lee Haskell is accused of forcing himself into the family’s house on Wednesday, tying up the Stay family, and asking where his wife was before shooting them execution-style.
He collapsed in front of the judge Friday morning. After his collapse, a prosecutor said “reality is setting in” for Haskell.
“Obviously, this is the real thing here,” the prosecutor said. “We’re not asking; we’re not playing; we’re not kidding around. He is now going to face the consequences that the State of Texas and Harris County have for him.”
Although he was not able to enter a plea, Haskell’s lawyers are expected to present an insanity defense.
George Parnham successfully defended Houston mother Andrea Yates with the insanity defense, but he says it won’t be easy in this case.
(HCSO)
Haskell was arrested for domestic violence and child abuse in 2008, and just last week, accused of taping his mother to a chair, choking her and threatening to kill her at her California home.
“It’s going to be an extremely difficult defense to pursue,” Parnham said. “It’s a mountain to hurdle. particularly in light of the events you told me about.”
To prove insanity in Texas, a defense attorney has to prove that their client who so mentally ill that he or she did not know right from wrong.
See Also: Spring Family Massacre: Grief Grips Neighbors as Man Charged in Murders
#Haskell collapses in front of judge. Prosecutor: “reality is setting in.” #hounews @News92FM pic.twitter.com/OX3J6pYsK5
— Trey Westerburg (@treysanatomy) July 11, 2014
A 15-year-old daughter survived the attack by playing dead after she was shot in the head, and then calling 911.
Haskell surrendered after a long standoff Wednesday night.
The victims were related to Haskell’s ex-wife, deputies said. He and his ex, Melanie, were divorced on Valentine’s Day.
See Also: Harris County PSA on Domestic Violence, Protective Orders [WATCH]
Police in Logan, Utah, said Haskell has a history of domestic violence.
See Also: Danger Heightened When Leaving Domestic Violence Situation, Expert Says
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According to the Klein ISD Education Foundation, an online fundraiser has been set up for the surviving daughter, identified as Cassidy Stay. To donate, go to GoFundMe.com.
Stay with NEWS 92 FM as we continue covering this tragedy.
This is the Stay family. RIP all but one in this pic victims of shooting in Spring pic.twitter.com/wCF49MFAgF
— Jeremy Desel (@jeremydeselKHOU) July 10, 2014
Spring Family Massacre Suspect Collapses in Court; Insanity Defense Expected was originally published on news92fm.com
