Suspected serial killer charged with 3 counts of 1st-degree murder, State Attorney's Office pursuing death penalty

The State Attorney's Office announced indictments in the Daytona Beach serial killer case on Thursday morning.

State Attorney, R. J. Larizza, said Robert Hayes is charged with three counts of first-degree murder with a firearm in connection with the killings of three women more than a decade ago.

The announcement was made at a press conference Thursday outside the DeLand courthouse.

"I’m just glad we got a dangerous killer off the streets, and justice will be served," said Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri.

In September, authorities revealed they used DNA to link Hayes to the murders. He's currently in custody in Palm Beach County, accused of killing a woman there in 2016.

RELATED: Arrest made in nearly 14-year-old serial killer case in Daytona Beach

"Today with the technology as you see with FDLE and with the labs, you may think you got away with it, but let me tell you something, you ain’t getting away with it, cause we’re gonna get you, said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

On Thursday, the state attorney also revealed a surviving victim has come forward, although that person was not identified. Larizza said that person, along with a witness, has helped investigators with specifics on the case.

"She was able to escape but not before there was significant trauma and threats," said Larizza.

"She got away, and she’s telling the SAO exactly what he did and how he did it," said Sheriff Chitwood.

Investigators said Hayes shot the three victims to death in secluded areas around the city.

"Justice for these victims and closures for these victims, that’s the most important thing," said Chief Capri.

Authorities have alerted other agencies in areas where Hayes lived beyond Volusia and Palm Beach counties to see if there are more victims.

"And it’ll be up to them to work there cases to see if they can create any links," said Larizza.

A fourth murder victim, Stacey Gage, also died in a similar way around the same time. However, investigators have not linked Gage's death to Hayes.

At Thursday's press conference, authorities said that investigation is still active.

"We did not seek an indictment on Ms. Gage. That case is still open," said Larizza.

The state attorney did not specify a timeframe as to when Hayes will be brought to Volusia County to face charges.

On Thursday, the state attorney announced his office's plans to seek the death penalty.

"We will be filing our notice of intent to seek the death penalty today," he said.
 

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