A shocking crime in Florida has ended with a long prison sentence, bringing some closure to a disturbing case that involved betrayal, violence, and an attempt to hide the truth. A 63-year-old woman who killed her own roommate with a hammer will now spend decades behind bars after pleading no contest to murder.
Who is Tracey Stanley and what happened?
Tracey Stanley, 63, admitted in court that she was responsible for the death of her 72-year-old roommate, Andrea Kathleen Day. The two women were living together in Florida when the crime took place. Stanley pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, which means she did not admit guilt directly but accepted the conviction and punishment.
On January 9, Stanley was officially sentenced to 40 years in prison. The sentence was confirmed by the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s Fifth Judicial District. She will serve her time under the Florida Department of Corrections.
The disturbing discovery at the home
The case came to light on July 20, 2024, when Stanley herself called 911 to report that her roommate was dead. When police officers and first responders arrived at the home, they found a horrifying scene.
Andrea Day’s body was lying on the kitchen floor, partially covered with a blue tarp. Investigators also found blood on the floor, walls, and even the ceiling in the hallway. There were clear drag marks showing that the body had been pulled from the hallway into the kitchen. These details immediately raised serious suspicions.
Authorities later revealed that the upper part of Day’s body, including her head, had been covered with three garbage bags. Her face showed signs of decomposition, leading investigators to believe that she had been dead for some time before Stanley finally made the emergency call.
Evidence that linked Stanley to the murder
As detectives from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office began questioning Stanley, they noticed troubling signs. She had small scratch marks on her face, and some had fresh blood. During the questioning, she avoided talking about the body in her home and eventually asked for a lawyer.
The investigation soon uncovered strong physical evidence. A hammer was found inside the home, and forensic tests showed that it contained DNA from both Stanley and Day. Prosecutors confirmed that Day had been struck in the head around 20 times with the claw end of the hammer. The level of violence shocked even experienced investigators.
The eviction that may have led to the crime
Court records also revealed an important detail about the relationship between the two women. A mail delivery worker told detectives that Andrea Day had previously asked for help in evicting Stanley from the property. Stanley reportedly received an official eviction notice on June 24, 2024.
This means the eviction notice came just a few weeks before the murder. Prosecutors believe this conflict may have played a key role in what eventually happened.
Timeline of key events
To make the case easier to understand, here is a clear timeline of the major events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2024 | Stanley reportedly received an eviction notice from Day |
| July 20, 2024 | Stanley called 911 to report Day was dead |
| Late 2024 | Stanley entered a no contest plea to second-degree murder |
| January 9, 2025 | Stanley was sentenced to 40 years in prison |
Why this case matters
This case is a painful reminder of how quickly personal conflicts can turn deadly, especially when people live together under tense conditions. It also highlights the importance of thorough police investigations. Even though Stanley called 911 herself, the evidence at the scene, forensic testing, and witness information helped investigators uncover the truth.
For many readers, this story also raises awareness about elder safety, domestic conflicts, and the serious consequences of violent actions. A life was lost, and another will now spend decades in prison.
