Grieving son to attend execution of mom's killer: 'It's been tough'

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Dennise Hayslip's son, Wade Hayslip, will be among the witnesses to the execution of his mother's killer, Charles Victor Thompson, on January 28th in Texas. Thompson fatally shot Hayslip and her new boyfriend, Darren Cain, in 1998 when Hayslip told Thompson she wanted to be with Cain. Wade Hayslip, who was 13 at the time, has struggled with the loss of his mother and the ongoing public attention on Thompson over the years.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lasting trauma and grief experienced by victims' families, even decades after a crime. It also examines the complex role of the death penalty, as Wade Hayslip grapples with whether Thompson's execution will bring him closure. The story further explores the public fascination with high-profile criminals like Thompson, who gained notoriety for a brazen prison escape.

The details

On April 30, 1998, Dennise Hayslip told her ex-boyfriend, Charles Victor Thompson, that she wanted to be with Darren Cain. Thompson, who had been drinking, got into a fight with Cain and the police were called, but they allowed Thompson to leave. Thompson later returned with a gun, broke down the apartment door, and shot Cain four times, killing him. He then shot Hayslip in the leg and at close range in the cheek, though she initially survived. Hayslip died several days later in the hospital. Thirteen-year-old Wade Hayslip was at school during the attack.

• On April 30, 1998, Dennise Hayslip told Charles Victor Thompson she wanted to be with Darren Cain.
• Thompson fatally shot Dennise Hayslip and Darren Cain on April 30, 1998.
• Dennise Hayslip died several days later in the hospital.
• Thompson is set to be executed on January 28, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Charles Victor Thompson out on bail.