Journey to Justice: Police charge suspect in 19-year-old cold case

SALISBURY, Md. – Denise Horsey’s family has been on a journey to justice for nearly 20 years, following her murder in April of 2006.

Salisbury police announced that 43-year-old Tyrone Leroy Hughey has been charged with murder and assault in the 1st and 2nd degrees.

WMDT spoke with Denise’s daughter, Alisha Taylor, on the 19th anniversary of her mother’s death, a time when Alisha said she was still searching for answers. Now, she said she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s a lot of nights that I cried. I gave up, but I did I didn’t give up on God, but I gave up on my mother getting justice,” said Alisha.

Alisha said faith and family are what kept her grounded during this fight. Her cousin, Latoya Deal said their steadfast prayers are what opened the doors to this moment.

“Never give up on God, because He’s the one that’s going to come through,” said Latoya. “He’s the one that gets all the glory for this; it’s none of us alone, he used this police department in a good way.”

As other families fight similar battles, Latoya reminds them that hope is not lost. She said with help from the community and law enforcement, justice can still be served.

“Speaking up gives closure to people– your speaking up will help us sleep better now,” Latoya said. “It’s the reason that my aunt is beginning to get justice, because no one should be murdered and taken off of this earth.”