A tragic and chilling crime story has unfolded in Hughes, Arkansas, where a well-known bed and breakfast owner, Martha McKay, was found murdered at her lakefront property – by the same man who had killed her mother and cousin 23 years earlier. The shocking turn of events has left the community in disbelief and mourning the loss of a beloved member.
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Martha McKay, aged 63, was discovered dead on March 25, 2020, at the Snowden House in Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas. The idyllic setting of the property, nestled by the serene Horseshoe Lake, was the backdrop for a horrific crime committed by Travis Lewis, the man who had been convicted of killing McKay’s mother and cousin back in 1996.


McKay was described as someone who cherished life and enjoyed hosting gatherings and events at her family’s home. Her return to the estate and transformation of the house into a luxurious bed and breakfast called Snowden House was a labour of love. However, tragedy struck in 1996 when McKay’s mother and cousin were brutally murdered on the grounds of the estate, casting a dark shadow over the idyllic setting.
In a cruel twist of fate, history repeated itself when McKay was found dead in the same home where her mother and cousin had lost their lives. The perpetrator, Travis Lewis, who had been convicted in his teenage years for the previous murders, took McKay’s life in a violent manner. The swift conclusion to the investigation came when Lewis ended his own life by drowning in the lake after fleeing from the scene of the crime.
Despite Lewis’ previous conviction for the murders of McKay’s mother and cousin, she had developed a relationship with him during his time in prison and even supported his release on parole. McKay believed Lewis’ claims of innocence and felt a sense of spiritual obligation towards him. However, their relationship soured over a financial dispute involving missing cash from the property, leading to McKay’s decision to dismiss him from his work there.
The shocking revelation that the same man had been responsible for the deaths of three family members over a span of 23 years has left McKay’s loved ones and the community grappling with disbelief and sorrow. The tragic chain of events serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of violent crimes and the complexities of forgiveness and redemption.
In the aftermath of this devastating loss, those who knew Martha McKay have expressed their shock and sorrow over the senseless tragedy that has befallen their community. As the investigation continues and details unfold, the memory of McKay and her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity will endure, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
