Grand Jury Indicts "Daytona Serial Killer"

A grand jury is handing up a new indictment in the case of alleged Daytona Serial Killer Robert Hayes.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza announced that Hayes is charged with first-degree murder with a firearm in the deaths of Laquetta Gunther, Julie Green, and Iwana Patton. The three women were murdered more than a decade ago while Hayes was a student at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.

Hayes was initially arrested in September for murdering Rachel Bey in West Palm Beach.

Investigators used genetic genealogy to link Hayes to the remaining murders. A fifth case is still pending. Detectives are also using Hayes' DNA profile to find out if he's linked to any other unsolved homicides.

Since Hayes' arrest in September, a woman has come forward to say she was also attacked by Hayes, but survived. Larizza says there is a witness who can corroborate the woman's claims.

The murders took place while Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood was police chief in Daytona Beach. He says the arrests will help bring closure to the victim's families.

The prosecutors in Daytona Beach and Palm Beach County both say they will pursue the death penalty.

Image courtesy Volusia County Sheriff's Office


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