A Florida mother who fatally shot her own mother and two of her young daughters before taking her own life had reportedly argued with her husband about pornography found on his phone days before the devastating shootings, according to police.
Hailey Dempsey, 27, carried out the killings at her home in Plant City, Florida, in May, leaving her family and community devastated.
Police have now revealed additional details about the events leading up to the tragedy, including multiple calls officers received at the family home in the two days before the shootings.
READ ALSO: France’s Top Court Blocks Social Media Ban for Under-15s in Major Ruling
Table of Contents
- Florida Mother Killed Family Members
- Argument Over Pornography
- Police Responded Three Times
- Family Left Home After Dispute
- Husband Ruled Out as Suspect
- Police Cite Possible Mental Health Issues
- Surviving Daughter in Good Health
Florida Mother Killed Family Members
According to Plant City police, Dempsey shot and killed her mother, Valerie DeBoe, during the early hours of May 3 at the family’s home in Plant City, in the Tampa Bay area.
She then reportedly left the property on foot with her three young daughters.
Police said she subsequently shot her 4-year-old daughter and 4-month-old daughter, killing both children.
She also fired at her 2-year-old daughter but missed.
Dempsey then turned the firearm on herself and died.
The surviving child was later taken to safety and is now staying with relatives.
Argument Over Pornography
Plant City Police Chief Richard Mills revealed that officers had been called to the family’s home three times during the two days before the killings.
The first incident occurred on May 1 following what police described as a verbal confrontation between Dempsey and her husband, Jay.
According to Mills, the argument reportedly involved pornography that Dempsey had discovered on her husband’s phone.
“It wasn’t cheating or anything like that, evidently it was just porn, and they were having an argument over that,” Mills said.
The police chief indicated that officers who responded to the initial call found no evidence of violence or criminal behaviour.
The couple reportedly spoke with officers, but there was no indication at the time that the dispute would escalate into violence.
Police Responded Three Times
Later on May 1, police received another call from Dempsey.
This time, she reportedly wanted officers to check whether a tracking device had been placed on her vehicle.
Officers searched the vehicle but did not find a tracking device.
After the incidents, Dempsey left the family home with her children and her mother, who was visiting from Clearwater.
The group reportedly spent the night at a hotel.
The following day, police were called again to accompany Dempsey back to the family home so she could collect clothing while her husband was away.
Investigators later learned that Dempsey and her husband had also met at a local library, where they reportedly had a private conversation.
Husband Ruled Out as Suspect
Following the killings, Dempsey’s husband was detained by police as investigators worked to determine what had happened.
However, authorities said his possible involvement was thoroughly investigated.
After examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths, investigators ruled him out as a suspect.
He was never arrested or charged in connection with the killings.
Police have not suggested that the argument over pornography directly caused the shootings.
Instead, investigators have been examining the broader circumstances surrounding Dempsey’s actions and her state of mind.
Police Cite Possible Mental Health Issues
Police Chief Mills said investigators found indications that mental health issues may have been involved.
The three-month investigation required what Mills described as patience, diligence and precision as detectives attempted to reconstruct the events leading up to the tragedy.
However, authorities have not publicly provided a specific diagnosis or detailed medical explanation for Dempsey’s behaviour.
The circumstances remain deeply disturbing, particularly because the victims included very young children.
Police Chief Describes Scene as Worst of His Career
Mills became emotional while discussing the case and the scene officers encountered.
The police chief, who has spent 34 years in law enforcement, said it was among the most traumatic scenes he had ever witnessed.
He described the incident as heartbreaking and said it was the worst scene he had personally experienced during his career.
His emotional comments reflected the devastating impact the killings had on the officers, investigators and wider community.
Surviving Daughter in Good Health
Despite the tragedy, police confirmed that Dempsey’s surviving daughter is in good health and is staying with family members.
Authorities have not publicly released further details about the child’s identity or current living arrangements.
The investigation has now provided more information about the days leading up to the shootings, but many questions remain about what caused Dempsey to carry out such a devastating act.
Police have stressed that the pornography dispute was part of the events reported before the killings but have not established it as the sole cause.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of taking serious changes in behaviour, escalating domestic conflicts and potential mental health concerns seriously.
For the families affected, however, the investigation cannot undo the devastating loss of Valerie DeBoe and her two young grandchildren.
For additional information about the investigation, visit Plant City Police Department.
Florida mother
Florida mother
Florida mother
