Detective details horrific quadruple homicide committed by Guy Hayes near local bar

In a somber gathering on November 20, 2024, the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole convened to deliberate on the fate of Guy Hayes, a man whose past is marred by a horrific quadruple homicide. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as family members of the victims and law enforcement officials recounted the chilling details of the crime that took place in September 2004.

Detective Hanks, who investigated the case, painted a vivid picture of the crime scene, describing it as the most gruesome he had ever encountered. He recalled the chilling reality that Hayes, who had known his victims personally, had conspired with two accomplices to commit the murders. The victims—Diane Barista, Jerry Stovall, Glenda Lockett, and William Lindsey—were not strangers; they were familiar faces from the neighborhood, often seen in the bar adjacent to Hayes' barbershop.

The detective's testimony was a stark reminder of the brutality of the crime. He detailed how the victims were shot and then stabbed, with one victim, Glenda Lockett, suffering such severe injuries that her family had to cover her neck with a scarf for her funeral. The emotional weight of these memories was palpable as he argued against Hayes' potential release, emphasizing that the families of the victims deserved justice and closure.

As the hearing progressed, the board members engaged in a dialogue with Willie Jones, one of Hayes' co-perpetrators. Jones admitted to being armed during the incident but claimed that the robbery was not premeditated. His testimony raised questions about accountability and the nature of their actions that night. Despite his claims of intimidation, the board pressed him on the reality of entering a bar armed and the implications of their choices.

The discussion turned to the concept of rehabilitation. Detective Hanks expressed skepticism about Hayes' readiness for reintegration into society after serving 20 years of a 40-year sentence. He argued that Hayes had not demonstrated genuine remorse or understanding of the consequences of his actions, pointing to his criminal history that began in 1990. The detective's passionate plea underscored a broader concern about the justice system's handling of violent offenders and the potential risks of releasing them too soon.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board was left to weigh the testimonies and the emotional pleas from those affected by the tragedy. The decision on Hayes' parole will not only impact his future but also resonate deeply with the families of the victims, who continue to seek justice and healing from the scars of that fateful night. The board's deliberation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between justice, rehabilitation, and the enduring pain of loss.