Troy Hayes: Connecticut man stabbed to death ex-girlfriend's male friend after barging into her house

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT: A 47-year-old man, Troy Hayes, has been sentenced to more than five decades in prison for assaulting his ex-girlfriend and fatally stabbing her friend in 2020. 

Hartford Judicial District State's Attorney Sharmese Walcott declared on January 17 that a judge imposed a 55-year prison term on Hayes for the 2020 murder of Dyshawn Copeland, along with the first-degree assault of his ex. 

A jury rendered a guilty verdict on the charges on September 25, 2023 as per True Crime Daily.

Police found the two victims at Sherman street

As per the state attorney's office, on the evening of May 21, 2020, officers were dispatched to 40 Sherman St after a female victim dialed 911 to report that she and her friend had been stabbed. 

Shortly after, the officers found Copeland on the steps inside the building, and both he and the female victim were transported to a hospital where Copeland succumbed to his fatal injuries.

What happened at the crime scene?

According to the press release, female victim informed detectives that she and Copeland were in her apartment, awaiting a food delivery. Believing the driver had arrived, she opened the door only to find Hayes instead. 

According to the state attorney's office, Hayes entered the home, and "the female victim chased after him as Hayes hurried to her apartment to confront Mr Copeland."

Hayes allegedly "poured wine over Mr Copeland’s head and fatally stabbed him." He also attempted to stab his ex-girlfriend, inflicting wounds on her arm. 

The Hartford Courant states that the suspect and the woman were reportedly former partners, although Hayes was not acquainted with Copeland. 

The state attorney's office mentioned multiple witnesses testifying in court, asserting they observed a man on a red scooter in the vicinity during the attack, later confirmed by surveillance footage to be Hayes.