Man Arrested for Murder of Ex-Girlfriend

DENTON, TX, May 8, 2024 - The Denton Police Department has arrested a man for Murder following an investigation into the death of 44-year-old Melonie Frye.

On Wednesday, Jan. 17, officers responded to the 900 block of Monterey Drive after property management staff found a deceased woman in the shed of a vacant house.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office identified the woman as Frye. In March, her death was ruled a homicide.

During the investigation, detectives identified Frye's ex-boyfriend, 39-year-old Tommy Bays III of Denton, as a person of interest due to their past relationship. Further forensic analysis showed Bays as the major contributor of DNA found on evidence at the crime scene.

An arrest warrant for Bays was obtained on Tuesday. On Wednesday evening, he was arrested in the 400 block of W. Parkway Street without incident.

Bays is currently in the City of Denton Jail with bond not yet set.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective David Bearden at (940) 349-7986. To anonymously report a tip, please call Denton County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-388-TIPS (8477) or visit www.dentoncountycrimestoppers.com.

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