In a poignant and tragic reflection on loss, Wade Hayslip marks nearly three decades since the brutal murder of his mother, Dennise Hayslip, at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Charles Victor Thompson. This January 28, 2026, he will attend Thompson’s execution in Texas, witnessing a moment that he hopes will serve as some form of accountability for the pain and destruction his family has endured.
Wade was only 13 when his life was irrevocably altered on April 30, 1998, when Thompson, consumed by jealousy, attacked Dennise and her new boyfriend, Darren Cain, in her suburban Houston home. Following a fight earlier that day, Thompson returned armed and desperate, fatally shooting Cain and gravely wounding Dennise, who succumbed to her injuries days later. Wade was at school during the heinous event, wrestling with the unimaginable loss of his mother, who he regards as a hardworking and compassionate figure.
Dennise, a dedicated nail technician who owned her own salon, sacrificed much to provide for Wade and ensure he received a private education. He fondly remembers his mother’s resilience, her pride in his kindness towards others, and the warmth of their relationship, which included tender moments even during times of conflict. Her absence has left an enduring void through his significant life milestones—graduations, marriage, and the birth of his three sons.
As Thompson’s execution nears, the media has revisited the events surrounding the tragic night and its aftermath, including Thompson’s notorious escape from death row in 2005. His brazen act of evading prison, posing as a legal investigator, and subsequent capture has kept the case in the public eye, further complicating Wade’s grieving process. Thompson has made numerous claims regarding remorse, but Wade refutes these assertions, stating that Thompson’s notoriety and public attention only serve to overshadow the memory of his mother.
Wade Hayslip’s journey to this moment is not just about seeking retribution but also about reclaiming a narrative that has often marginalized his mother’s life and legacy. He recognizes that attending the execution will not heal his wounds, but he views it as an important step towards moving forward. With a sense of hope, he speaks of a new chapter in his life, aimed at honoring his mother’s memory and ensuring her legacy lives on through his children.