College, Fraternity Were Dreams Come True

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Dennis Hayle was shot to death outside of his college apartment.

Going to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) was a dream come true for Dennis Stuart Hayle.

Dennis grew up in New York with his mother, Stephanie Hayle, and older sister, Julie.

He started researching colleges in the 10th grade, and when he found the historically black North Carolina institution, he knew that was where he belonged.

"He wanted to go away to school," Stephanie said. "And I was always behind him 100 percent."

After attending Guilford Technical for one year, Dennis enrolled in NCAT and majored in Political Science and Criminal Justice.

"He felt that if he went that route in life he would change things for the better," Stephanie said.

After graduation in 2009, Dennis planned to become an attorney or lobbyist in Washington D.C.

He traveled to D.C. to see the inauguration on Jan. 20, 2009 and was an active volunteer on North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan's campaign.

In 2008, a second dream came true for Dennis.

Growing up, Dennis loved to watch Shaquille O'Neal and, noticed a hand sign he used during his games.

Dennis began to imitate it and later learned the sign meant that Shaq belonged to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

He always dreamed of joining, and in 2008, he became a brother.

Stephanie remembers Dennis sitting on the couch at home, reflecting on his accomplishment.

"He said, 'A lot of people don't get to achieve any of their goals. Here I am, 22, on my way, and I've already achieved two,'" Stephanie said.

Stephanie said Dennis was well-liked on campus.

"He had very deep dimples and he always smiled," Stephanie said.

People knew him as the man who smiled and wore bow ties.

"He would always hug you, look you right in the eyes and say, 'Don't forget to say your prayers," Stephanie said.

Student's Brutal Death Shocks Campus, Family

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Friends say Dennis was known as the man with a bow tie and a great big smile.

Dennis's death on Jan. 25, 2009, came as a painful shock to the students at NCAT, as well as Dennis's family and friends.

"We had this thing that when he went out he would call when he got back," Stephanie said. "He said he wasn't staying out late with his fraternity brothers 'cause they had to go to church."

Dennis lived in the Campus Courtyard II apartment complex, a building used for off-campus student housing, about two blocks from the school.

Cops say his friends dropped him off and he standing in front of his door around 3:15 a.m. when someone came up and shot him , Det. Brian Pilcher of the Greensboro N.C. Police Dept. said.

Students in a nearby apartment heard the shot and called police.

Cops say their only lead is man seen running down the street wearing a dark hoodie.

An older dark-colored Honda or Nissan car was seen driving south on Homeland Ave. where the man was running.

Dennis Was Known For Kindness And Helping Others

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Dennis would have graduated in 2009 with degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science. He wanted to be an attorney or lobbyist.

Stephanie never received the call from Dennis that night, to let her know he was home and safe. Instead, a friend called to deliver the news.

The last time Stephanie spoke to Dennis was the night before the shooting.

He said, " I called you mom to tell you how much I love you and how much I appreciate you. You are always in my corner no matter what."

Students say they can't believe this happened to Dennis and that he was never one to pick a fight. His real passion was helping people.

Stephanie said many of the people Dennis touched have reached out to her.

A young lady who went to school with Dennis described how he he took the time to talk her when she was cut from the basketball team and lost her scholarship.

Stephanie said Dennis explained that God must have put things in place to make this happen because he had another plan for her.

He worked on community service projects with his fraternity to feed the poor and mentor children.

Stephanie said he worked at a pool in the summer where he would help single moms get their kids in and give the children money for lunch or snacks.

"Even his elementary school nurse came to the funeral," Stephanie said.

Now, police need help to find the person who took Dennis's life.

If you know anything about this crime, call our hotline at 1-800-CRIME-TV.