The Final Shift - The Murder of Lori Bray

In the small town of Laurel, Montana, Lori Bray was a cherished figure known for her warm smile, generous heart, and dedication to her community. At 57, Lori’s life was tragically cut short on October 1, 2019, in a senseless act of violence that left the town reeling. This blog post celebrates Lori Bray’s life, her impact on her family and friends, and the pursuit of justice following her murder at Cedar Ridge Casino. Through this tribute, we aim to honor her memory with compassion and keep her legacy alive.

Who Was Lori Bray?

Lori Bray was more than a victim of the Laurel, Montana, homicide that shocked her community—she was a loving mother, a devoted friend, and a hardworking employee at Cedar Ridge Casino. Known for her kindness, Lori had a gift for making everyone feel valued. She shared a close bond with her son, Justin Smith, and her two beloved dogs, who were central to her peaceful life. Friends described her as “one of the most kind people,” a sentiment echoed in a GoFundMe page created to support her family after her passing.

Lori’s role at Cedar Ridge Casino reflected her strong work ethic. As a dedicated employee, she often closed the casino late at night, ensuring everything was in order. Her friendly demeanor made her a favorite among coworkers and patrons in Laurel, a town known for its tight-knit community and scenic beauty. Lori Bray’s legacy is one of love, humility, and generosity, qualities that continue to inspire those who knew her.

The Tragic Night of the Laurel, Montana, Homicide

On October 1, 2019, Lori Bray’s life changed forever. After closing Cedar Ridge Casino shortly after midnight, she offered a ride to 22-year-old Diego Hernandez, the last customer remaining. Surveillance footage captured this act of kindness, showing Lori opening the passenger door of her 2003 Chrysler sedan for Hernandez at 12:30 a.m. It was the last time she was seen alive.

The next day, October 2, 2019, Lori’s absence from her scheduled shift raised alarms. Her son, Justin, visited her home and found it empty, with only her unattended dog—a heartbreaking sign something was wrong. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation, and Lori’s car was soon found abandoned at Laurel Airport Road and Buffalo Trail, five kilometers from the eventual discovery of her body.

A community search effort reflected Laurel’s unity, but the search ended in tragedy. That evening, an ATV rider found Lori’s body in a ditch near Yard Office Road and Ridge Drive. An autopsy revealed she had been strangled, with scratches and wounds indicating a violent struggle. The Lori Bray murder case became a focal point of grief and determination for justice in Laurel, Montana.

The Investigation and Justice for Lori Bray

The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office acted swiftly in the Lori Bray murder investigation. Diego Hernandez, the last person seen with Lori, became the prime suspect. Key evidence included:

Surveillance Footage: Video from Cedar Ridge Casino showed Lori and Hernandez leaving together.

Cell Phone Data: Lori’s phone pinged at the casino, near Hernandez’s home, and at the locations where her car and body were found.

Forensic Evidence: Hernandez’s shoes matched footprints at the crime scene, and DNA under Lori’s fingernails linked him to the attack with near-certainty (one in a trillion for Hispanic individuals). Blood in Lori’s car and on Hernandez’s clothing further solidified the case.

Physical Evidence: Fresh scratches on Hernandez’s face, not present earlier that evening, suggested a struggle.

Hernandez claimed a consensual encounter with Lori, but evidence contradicted his story. On October 8, 2019, he was arrested and charged with deliberate homicide. His trial, held in March 2021, culminated in a guilty verdict after just two hours of jury deliberation. In July 2023, Judge Michael Moses sentenced Hernandez to life in prison without parole for 35 years. He is currently incarcerated at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.

The Impact on Lori’s Family and Community

The Lori Bray murder sent shockwaves through Laurel, Montana, a town unaccustomed to such violence. Women working late-night shifts at local businesses began taking extra precautions, and the community mourned the loss of a beloved member. A vigil at Riverside Park allowed residents to share memories of Lori’s kindness, reinforcing her lasting impact. The GoFundMe campaign for her funeral costs highlighted her as a “loving, humble, generous, honest, and faithful woman,” reflecting the community’s love for her.

For Lori’s son, Justin Smith, the loss was devastating. His discovery of her empty home and his role in alerting authorities underscored their close bond. Lori’s dogs, left waiting for her return, became a poignant symbol of her nurturing spirit. The Laurel community’s support—through searches, vigils, and donations—demonstrated their commitment to honoring Lori Bray’s memory and supporting her family.

Lori Bray’s Lasting Legacy

Lori Bray’s life was defined by kindness, from her work at Cedar Ridge Casino to her care for her family and pets. Her tragic death in the Laurel, Montana, homicide does not overshadow the love she shared. Her story, featured in Investigation Discovery’s Murder in the Heartland: Killer Casino, serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of community.

To Lori’s family and friends: her memory endures through your love and the countless lives she touched. Her generosity, like offering a ride to a stranger, reflected her character, even in her final moments. Let us remember Lori Bray not as a victim, but as a woman whose warmth and compassion continue to inspire.

How to Support Lori Bray’s Legacy

1. Listen to Lori's story, covered on Dark Dialogue. It can be listed to everyplace you get podcasts, or on the player below. 

2. Watch Her Story: Learn more about Lori Bray’s case in Murder in the Heartland: Killer Casino on Investigation Discovery.

3. Support the Community: Contribute to local charities in Laurel, Montana, or animal shelters in Lori’s memory, honoring her love for her dogs.

4. Stay Informed: Follow updates on true crime on this website.

5. Like and follow us at our social media links below. 

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