Survivor of family massacre called out her siblings' names, ages to appeal to alleged killer's 'humanity'

Cassidy Stay in court, Ronald Haskell mug shot
The 20-year-old sole survivor has testified. Photo credit: Left: KPRC2/YouTube/Screengrab; Right: AAP

Warning: This article contains details which may distress some readers.

The sole survivor of a family massacre has revealed harrowing details about the murder spree while testifying in court.

Cassidy Stay, 20, has testified against the accused killer of her immediate family in a Texas court on Tuesday (local time). 

The defendant is her uncle, Ronald Haskell. 

Stay's testimony revealed spine-chilling details about the night her parents and four younger siblings were killed in July 2014. She was just 15 at the time.

Stay told the court she didn't immediately recognise her "Uncle Ronnie" when he forced his way into their family home. She said she knew "how awful he was" and pleaded, "please don't hurt us". 

She claimed the children were ordered into the living room as Haskell brandished a gun. 

The 15-year-old then called out the names and ages of her siblings in an attempt to appeal to her uncle's "humanity".

When her parents returned home, the family were made to lie face down in the living room. She testified that Haskell proceeded to shoot her 39-year-old father Stephen Stay, her mother Katie, 34, and her siblings: Bryan, 13, Emily, nine, Rebecca, seven, and Zach, four.

The Stay family.
The Stay family. Photo credit: Facebook

Stay said she survived by playing dead. The bullet reportedly only grazed her head, striking her hand. She told the court she remained limp until Haskell left the property.

"There was no spirit in the room," she said.

The then 15-year-old called the police, telling them Haskell planned to kill her grandparents. Officers arrested him before he could make it, following a three-and-a-half-hour standoff, Metro reports.

It is believed Haskell was looking for revenge against his ex-wife Melanie, Katie Stay's sister. Melanie had divorced him in the months prior and took their children with her. Katie had allegedly been protecting her sister from Haskell's violent behaviour.

Haskell's attorney has said his client admits to the murders, but was insane at the time.

"No, it was all him," Stay concluded her testimony.

Haskell's trial could last more than two months, according to reports. He is charged with one count of capital murder for each of his six victims.

If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.

Newshub.