A Denton man is behind bars in connection to the murder of his ex-girlfriend. The Denton Police Department reports that a man has been arrested for murder following an investigation into the death of 44-year-old Melonie Frye.

On January 17, 2024, DPD officers responded to the 900 block of Monterey Drive after a property management staff member found a deceased female in the shed of a vacant house.

In March, Frye’s death was ruled a homicide. Detectives say they identified 39-year-old Tommy Bays III as a person of interest due to his past relationship with the victim. DPD says further forensic analysis showed that Bays was a major contributor of DNA found on evidence at the crime scene.

On Tuesday, detectives obtained a warrant for Bays. Authorities took Bays into custody in the 400 block of West Parkway Street on Wednesday. He is currently being held in the City of Denton Jail.