The Murder of Haley Wingard

Written By Kiley Baumgartner

For this case, I watched an episode of Home Alone. It’s season 1 episode 6, titled ‘Silent Night, Holy Terror.’

A 17-year-old girl is held hostage in her home.

Background

Haley Danielle Wingard was only 17-years-old when she died. She lived in the small town of Wetumpka, Alabama. The small town was described as very safe, and a place where everyone knew everyone.

Haley was described as a very bright kid. She was close with her family, especially her mom. Haley loved music, especially playing the clarinet, and she loved to hang out with her friends.

Haley Wingard

A Horrific Situation

On December 2, 2010, Haley, and her cousin Christian were running late for school. While they were gone, Haley’s much older ex-boyfriend, Derrick Bean, broke in through the back door.

Haley’s step-father Phillip, returned home around 2:30pm. He decided to stay outside, and wash his truck, since it was a reasonably warm day. The girls arrived home from school around 3:45pm.

Haley went into the kitchen to get some water. Christian was on the way to her room, when she saw Derrick. She recalled that Derrick put his finger to his mouth, and told her to get down. He was armed with a shotgun that belonged Haley’s step-father.

Derrick grabbed Haley by her hoodie as she walked into the room. He took her and Christian into one of the bedrooms, zip tied their hands, and duct taped their feet.

The Ex-Boyfriend

Haley’s mom, Teresa, was in the Army National Guard, and in 2007, she went to Iraq. Haley lived with her dad at the time, when she was around 14-15 years old. Teresa said when she returned home, Haley was different, and began attracting older boys.

Derrick was actually 25-years-old, and had a son. Teresa also discovered that Derrick had a criminal past, and was well known to the police. When Teresa spoke to the police, they told her that Derrick was not someone Haley should be with.

Haley ended the relationship after her mom told her to. Derrick told Haley that he was going to commit suicide. He continued to harass Haley, and she asked her mom to change her phone number. Haley had filed a previous domestic violence complaint against him, but he still didn’t take the hint.

The Negotiation

Derrick kept the girls in the room for what felt like forever. Haley’s stepfather had called out for the girls, and was inside the home later that evening. Haley was eventually able to convince Derrick to let Christian out of the room.

Christian was obviously quiet and devastated about what had happened. She was eventually able to talk to Phillip, and said that Derrick was in the room with Haley. She was told to tell the neighbors to call the police.

When the police arrived, they led everyone to behind the police vehicles, and out of the line of fire. They tried to negotiate with Derrick, but he was not cooperating. The stand-off lasted for several hours.

The S.W.A.T team threw a grenade in, and entered the house. There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what really happened. The police entered, and saw Derrick pointing the gun at Haley. She was killed, as she had been shot in the head by Derrick. Derrick was then shot in the chest around 6 times, and also killed.

The family is still upset by what happened, and about the lies that the police have told. They have posted this video online:

Kiley Baumgartner
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