Salisbury police on Thursday, Oct. 2, announced an arrest in the 2006 killing of Denise Horsey – a breakthrough in a case that has weighed on detectives and relatives for nearly two decades.
Tyrone Leroy Hughey, 43, of Hagerstown, was indicted on Sept. 22 by a Wicomico County grand jury in connection with Horsey’s death, according to Salisbury Police Chief David Meienschein. Police said Hughey was arrested in Hagerstown and is being held there without bond.
According to police, on April 8, 2006, officers received reports of a woman yelling in an alley near the 300 block of Naylor Street. They found Horsey, 40, with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital and later died, police said.
Capt. Ryan Koerner, who played a critical role in the renewed investigation, was among the first to respond to the scene almost 20 years ago, then a patrol officer with two years on the job and the second officer to arrive.
He commended Horsey’s relatives for urging detectives to take another look. Family members attended Thursday’s news conference, including her daughter Alicia Taylor, sons Eric and D’Angelo Carter, and nephews David and Antoine Jones.
“We the family and community, we love you, Aunt ‘Niecy. We miss you. We never forgot you. And there’s not a day go by that we don’t think about you,” David Jones said.
Chief credits community members
Meienschein said the case “has weighed heavily on our department and our community for nearly two decades.” He credited community members “whose willingness to come forward made all the difference in the world in this case.”
Meienschein said a renewed examination by investigators, along with support from law enforcement partners and residents, led to “a major breakthrough in this case.” He praised the professionalism and perseverance of those who “worked tirelessly to bring this case to this point.”
“Our message to the citizens of Salisbury: no matter how much time passes, the dedicated men and women of this agency, both sworn and civilian, is a testament to our dedication and resolve to solving these types of crimes,” Meienschein said. “We will never forget our victim or their families in this case and in all that our SPD officers work on. We will always work tirelessly for you.”
Meienschein said the case remains under investigation and will proceed through the courts. He pointed out that while Hughey has been charged, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
At the news conference’s close, a tearful family member of Horsey’s led a prayer, thanking God for restoring their trust in the justice system.
“We are thankful for this police department. We are thankful for the community, God, And we trust you, even when it doesn’t look good.”
Anyone with additional information about the investigation is encouraged to call the Salisbury Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 410-548-3165. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.