Remembering The Tragic Death Of Rising Star Stephanie Moseley

Dancer and actress Stephanie Moseley was moving upward in Hollywood circles when she was found murdered in her Los Angeles apartment in 2014.

January 11, 2023

Paul Archuleta via Getty Images

Stephanie Moseley was just a teen when she arrived in Los Angeles in 2002. The Vancouver, Canada native had dreams of being famous, and LA would get her the exposure she needed to get there.

According to reports, she performed as part of a dance group called Best Kept Secret when she first arrived in LA, and soon she was landing other dancing and acting jobs. Her star power rose, and she added to an impressive resume with film roles in Catwoman, Idlewild, and Mirror Mirror. She helped choreograph Twilight Breaking Dawn: Part 1, and she was a regular backup dancer for Hollywood’s hottest pop stars. She starred alongside Jamie Foxx as his wife in his 2006 TV special Jamie Foxx: Unpredictable. Her dream was within reach; she would be famous.

By 2008, Moseley was 24 years old and married to Detroit native Earl Hayes. Hayes himself had a couple of small acting credits under his belt and a burgeoning rap career, and he ran in the same circles as boxer Floyd Mayweather. He had reportedly worked with musicians Alicia Keys and Dr. Dre. With all the famous connections they had made, the world was their oyster.

On Dec. 8, 2014, the pair were at their apartment in Los Angeles’s Fairfax neighborhood. They were trying to reconcile after a year-long separation, and Moseley was reportedly hopeful about the state of their marriage.

Instead, things went horribly wrong. That morning, Hayes allegedly accused Moseley of infidelity with a famous musician. According to ET Online, neighbors heard screams before gunshots rang out that morning. TMZ reported that Hayes was video chatting with Floyd Mayweather around 7 a.m. that morning when he walked away from the phone. Mayweather then heard gunshots before Hayes appeared again and said he was going to shoot himself next.

When authorities arrived at the apartment around 7:30 a.m., they heard another round of gunshots before gaining entry to find both Moseley and Hayes dead in the bathroom.

The Moseley and Hayes murder-suicide will be featured on ID’s new podcast, Death By Fame, hosted by Sara Azari. Each Monday, Sara will discuss a case where the pursuit of stardom led to an untimely demise. Guests will include experts, insiders, and journalists who broke the stories. Hear all the details wherever you get your podcasts.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence or abuse from a romantic partner, you can visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website, call 1.800.799.SAFE or text START to 88788 for help. Advocates are available 24/7 to help callers talk through their situation and connect them with local resources. There is no charge to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Next Up

How The Tragic Murder Of Jasmine Fiore Changed Reality TV

On August 15, 2009, human remains found stuffed in a suitcase were identified as 28-year-old model Jasmine Fiore. Soon after, reality TV star Ryan Alexander Jenkins was charged with her murder.

Former 'Family Feud' Contestant Sentenced To Life For Murdering His Estranged Wife

Timothy W. Bliefnick fatally shot Rebecca Bliefnick on Feb. 23, 2023 while the couple was in the process of getting a divorce.

Obsessive Fan Shoots Playboy Playmate’s Husband In Murder-Suicide

James Lindberg traveled across the country after speaking with Stacy Arthur multiple times on a 900 number.

Did A Couple Who Kept A Victim Captive For 7 Years Kill Missing Teen Marie Elizabeth Spannhake?

Janice Hooker said she and her husband, Cameron, kidnapped and tortured two women decades ago.

How Did The Teen “Bling Ring” Manage To Rob Celebs Of Millions?

Seven LA teens and young adults were accused of robbing multiple celebrity homes in 2008 and 2009.

Migos Rapper Takeoff Dead After Houston Shooting

In the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 2022, the 28-year-old rapper was shot and killed outside a bowling alley in Texas.

Missing Connecticut Mom Jennifer Dulos Officially Declared Dead As Trial Begins

Jennifer Dulos, a missing mother of five from New Canaan, Connecticut, was officially declared dead, and now her ex’s girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, is on trial in connection with her murder.

Man Accused Of Murdering Woman After She Removed The AirTag He Put On Her Car

Jailene Flores, a 21-year-old Illinois woman, was murdered by an alleged stalker after she removed an AirTag tracking device he put on her car.

Arizona Woman Charged After Allegedly Trying To Poison Husband's Coffee

Roby Johnson of the U.S. Air Force helped put his wife in jail after she tried to poison him by putting bleach in his morning coffee for months.

Poison Specialist Accused Of Killing His Wife With Poison

A Minnesota poison expert has been charged with second-degree murder after he allegedly poisoned his wife with liquid colchicine.