A Florida man is behind bars after allegedly murdering his fiancée in a fit of rage when she ended their engagement during a football watch party. Timothy Hyder, 57, reportedly confessed to killing Natalia Du’Mee, 50, with a .357 Magnum revolver at their St. Cloud residence on Sunday night.
A Relationship Marked by Conflict
Hyder and Du’Mee had been together since October 2021, but family members described their relationship as tumultuous, especially when alcohol was involved. According to police, the couple frequently argued, with tensions escalating during a football gathering earlier in the day.
Du’Mee’s daughter, who was at the home during the fatal incident, said the couple returned from the party still fighting. She overheard their argument before the gunfire erupted.
The Fatal Confrontation
In his confession to police, Hyder said the confrontation began when Du’Mee told him she would not marry him and returned her engagement ring. According to the arrest affidavit, Hyder retrieved his revolver from a closet, returned to the back porch where they had been arguing, and shot Du’Mee in the back of the head.
Hyder allegedly told police that he asked Du’Mee one last time if she was certain about her decision to end the engagement. When she reaffirmed that she would not marry him, he said, “I put one right in the back of her head.”
Du’Mee’s daughter found her mother bleeding from her head and mouth after hearing the gunshot. Hyder then instructed her to call 911, while he waited outside for law enforcement.
A Chilling Confession
Hyder told officers he wished he could undo his actions and claimed he “snapped” in the heat of the moment. Police found the revolver in plain sight during their search of the home.
Hyder was charged with second-degree murder and booked into the Osceola County Jail, where he remains without bond.
Community Shocked by Violence
The St. Cloud community is reeling from the tragic event. Neighbors described the couple as occasionally quarrelsome but said they were shocked by the extreme escalation.
The case underscores the deadly potential of domestic disputes and highlights the importance of addressing relationship violence before it turns tragic.
Authorities have not released further details, and Hyder’s legal representation has not issued a statement. As the investigation continues, Du’Mee’s family is left mourning the loss of a beloved mother and friend.
