Maryland Couple Murdered by Employee Over Money Dispute

A couple from Maryland was tragically killed in their home by an employee who was reportedly upset over financial matters. In a haunting 911 call, one of the victims is heard pleading for his life.

William “Charlie” Hayes, aged 56, and his wife, Gina Hayes, 54, were discovered shot to death in their Pasadena residence around 2 p.m. on Sunday, located roughly 25 miles from Baltimore.

In the lead-up to the incident, a disturbing 911 call revealed Gina desperately asking a man named “Tony” not to shoot her.

Shortly after, a male voice was heard arguing with Charlie about money before gunfire erupted. Reports indicate that following the shots, there was an immediate silence.

The couple operated a home improvement and construction business from their house and were declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

Thanks to the 911 recordings and other investigative efforts, authorities swiftly identified Anthony Luis Reyes, 61, a friend and business associate of the couple, as the suspect.

Not long after the double homicide, police detected Reyes’ vehicle using an automated license plate reader, leading to a traffic stop. However, he reportedly fled, resulting in a brief but intense manhunt.

During the initial stop, Reyes got into a minor altercation with officers, sustaining minor injuries. Eventually, after about a seven-minute chase, he was apprehended.

Reyes now faces charges of first- and second-degree murder among other allegations and is being held without bail.

One officer injured during the traffic stop was taken to a local hospital but was later released after evaluation.

Authorities have stated that the couple’s deaths seem to be a targeted attack, but details surrounding a specific motive remain undisclosed.

Lt. AJ Gardiner mentioned that Reyes was known to the Hayes family, both personally and professionally, and expressed uncertainty about any existing issues.

Gardiner also emphasized the significance of the 911 calls in understanding the events leading to the tragedy, noting the unfortunate timing of their arrival.

The couple’s adult granddaughter lived with them but was not present at the time of the shooting. Her father, Toni Arnold, expressed the family’s deep grief, stating, “I can’t believe someone brutally murdered them in broad daylight. He didn’t deserve that.” He described Charlie as someone who took care of his wife and family.

Kathy Nguyen, a neighbor, recalled hearing gunfire and initially mistaking it for hunters until the arrival of police made her realize the severity of the situation. “When I heard what happened, I was shaken to my core,” she said.

The double homicide has left a profound impact on the tight-knit community, with Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad commenting on the shock felt, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Awad characterized Long Point as a quiet, family-oriented area and expressed surprise over the violent incident. “This whole community is grieving. They’re going to have to come forward to understand what happened,” he said.