Tragic Discovery in Pasadena Home
A beloved married couple were discovered shot to death inside their waterfront property in Pasadena, Maryland, in what authorities describe as a targeted attack by someone they knew both personally and professionally.
The bodies of Jeanna Hayes, 54, and her husband William, 56, were found on Sunday afternoon after a distressing 911 call revealed the horrifying final moments of their lives.
The Horrifying 911 Call
According to police investigators, a woman called emergency services around 2pm on Sunday, and dispatchers could clearly hear her pleading with a man she referred to as 'Tony' not to shoot her.
The witness reported that Tony was arguing with someone called 'Charlie' - the same nickname William Hayes used - before gunshots echoed through the phone line.
Lieutenant AJ Gardiner from the Anne Arundel County Police department praised the 911 call, stating: 'When it comes to the 911 call, that was fantastic. The information that was relayed really led us to a position where we could start isolating other things.'
Police Pursuit and Arrest
Following the shooting, 61-year-old Anthony Louis Reyes, identified as both a business associate and personal acquaintance of the couple, allegedly led police on a dramatic seven-minute pursuit along Interstate-97.
Police located Reyes's vehicle in a nearby neighbourhood and attempted to perform a traffic stop, but he refused to pull over. After eventually being apprehended, Reyes reportedly assaulted an officer during what authorities described as a 'brief struggle'.
One officer required hospital treatment for minor injuries sustained during the arrest. Reyes now faces charges of first and second degree murder and remains in custody without bond.
Community in Mourning
The couple operated a home improvement and construction business from their property and were described as pillars of their community.
Mason Burress, a friend who also works in construction, told CBS that the couple were both 'good to our family' and added: 'They always helped us when we needed, they've always been there for us.'
William Hayes was remembered as a 'good' man who 'took care' of his family and the broader community.
According to police, the couple's adult granddaughter lives with them but was fortunately not present during the tragedy.
Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad described the situation as 'terribly horrific, especially right before the holiday season' and noted that 'This is a very close-knit community. You can see it by how they have already started decorating for the holidays.'
While police confirmed the attack was targeted and not random, they haven't disclosed a potential motive, though court documents indicate a verbal dispute over money was recorded during the 911 call.
Lieutenant Gardiner commented: 'This isn't something that was random. We do believe this person was here for a purpose. This was a person who was known to the family, both personally and in business. I don't know of any issues.'
