On September 2, 2015, a shocking crime happened at the Gable’s Park 17 apartments in Dallas, Texas. Kendra Hatcher, a 35-year-old kids’ dentist known for her bright smile and kind nature, was killed in the parking garage of her own home. This terrible act would reveal a twisted story of jealousy and murder-for-hire that no one expected.
Kendra Hatcher was living a good life. At 35, she was a successful kids’ dentist, loved by her young patients for her gentle touch. She was also in love with Dr. Ricardo “Ricky” Paniagua, and they were planning their future together.
The Crime
On that Wednesday evening, around 7:45 PM, Kendra came home after work. As she parked her car, someone was waiting for her. People nearby heard a single gunshot, and soon after, Kendra was found dead on the garage floor. Her tan Coach purse was missing, making police think it might have been a robbery gone wrong.
Detective Eric Barnes led the investigation. At first, they didn’t have much to go on. Security cameras showed a woman driving a black Jeep Cherokee out of the garage soon after the murder. Was this the killer, or just someone who happened to be there?
As news of the murder spread, people in the area became scared. Young women especially felt unsafe. After all, if this could happen to someone like Kendra, couldn’t it happen to anyone?
The day after the murder, Kendra’s coworkers and friends held a candlelight vigil outside the garage. Kendra’s family was shocked, saying she never mentioned being in any trouble.
The Suspect
As the police dug deeper, they found a suspect no one expected: Brenda Delgado, a 33-year-old dental student. On the surface, Brenda seemed normal – friendly and hard-working. But underneath, she was hiding something dark.
The connection between Brenda and Kendra? Dr. Ricardo “Ricky” Paniagua. Brenda and Ricky had dated for 2.5 years, and Ricky had even given Brenda a promise ring. But in February 2015, Ricky ended the relationship and started dating Kendra.
For Brenda, this wasn’t just a breakup; it was the start of an obsession that would lead to murder.
Brenda’s Obsession Grows
After the breakup, Brenda’s behavior became alarming. She: Stalked Ricky, getting into his email and even keeping a key to his apartment.
- Tracked Ricky’s phone using an app.
- Showed up at places Ricky went, like his dance class.
- Kept acting like Ricky’s friend while secretly obsessing over him.
- Closely watched Ricky and Kendra’s messages and social media posts.
As Ricky and Kendra’s relationship grew, Brenda’s obsession got worse. She couldn’t stop talking about them to anyone who would listen. Things got even darker when Brenda started asking if anyone knew someone who could hurt Kendra.
The Murder Plan
Brenda’s desperation led her to hire two people:
- Crystal Cortes: A 23-year-old single mom who Brenda offered $500.
- Kristopher Love: A small-time drug dealer, offered $3,000 in drugs and cash.
Brenda’s plan was:
She and Crystal stalked Kendra, watching her movements around Dallas.
They planned to use a black Jeep Cherokee for the crime.
The murder was set for September 2, 2015, the day before Kendra and Ricky were going on a trip to Cancun.
On the day of the murder, Brenda made sure she had an alibi. While Crystal and Kristopher carried out the crime, Brenda was studying at a library and later eating at Chili’s with a friend.
Crystal and Kristopher followed Kendra from work to her apartment. They waited until she parked, then Kristopher shot her once in the head. After the murder, Brenda even took Kendra’s purse, like a trophy.
At first, police thought it was a robbery gone wrong. But as they looked closer, they noticed Brenda’s strange behavior and found out she had been stalking Ricky.
The big break came when Jose Ortiz, who had lent Brenda his Jeep, recognized his car in the security video and went to the police. Suddenly, all eyes were on Brenda.
As the investigation continued, Crystal Cortes was the first to confess. She told the police everything, saying she didn’t know Kendra would be killed. With Crystal’s confession, the police found Kristopher Love and the gun used in the murder.
The Chase
Just when police thought they had solved the case, Brenda disappeared to Mexico. The FBI put her on their Most Wanted list and offered a $100,000 reward to find her.
For six months, Brenda stayed hidden. Finally, police found her in Torreón, Mexico, where she was hiding with family. She gave up without a fight.
Because of Mexican law, Brenda couldn’t be sent back to the U.S. if she might get the death penalty. So, Dallas officials had to agree not to seek the death penalty to bring her back for trial.
The Trial
In June 2019, Brenda Delgado finally went to trial. The prosecutors showed evidence, including the binoculars Brenda and Crystal used to spy on Kendra.
Crystal Cortes testified, telling the court about their plans. She said, “We’re coming up with several plans.” When asked what they were, she answered, “One of the plans was to inject her with a needle, another plan was to hurt her directly, and another plan was to kidnap her.”
Ricky Paniagua also testified, describing how he found out something had happened to Kendra. He said, “There was commotion going on outside, there were police vehicles, there was a lot of activity.”
The jury also saw a video of Brenda being questioned by police, where she tried to lie about where she was when Kendra was killed.
The Verdict and Sentence
After hearing all the evidence, it took the jury just 20 minutes to find Brenda guilty of planning the murder. She was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of ever getting out.
After the sentencing, Kendra’s family spoke. Kendra’s sister said, “No matter how envious you were of any human being does not give you the right to destroy lives. Many lives: your own family’s lives, our lives, Kendra’s life, my children’s lives. Who the hell do you think you are, Brenda?”
Kendra’s mother, Bonnie Jameson, told Brenda, “You have earned your spot on this Earth behind cold steel bars for the rest of your miserable, pathetic life.”
Throughout all this, Brenda barely looked at anyone, seeming not to care about the pain she caused.
Kendra’s murder scared the whole community. It made people question how safe they were and how well they knew the people around them. If someone like Brenda could do this, who else might be hiding dark secrets?
For Kendra’s family and friends, the pain will never really go away. Losing a kind, talented young woman with a bright future is a wound that time can’t heal.
This case shows how dangerous jealousy and obsession can be. It reminds us to watch for warning signs in relationships and to help people who are struggling with mental health issues.
As we think about this sad story, we’re left with tough questions: How well do we really know people? Can love, when twisted by jealousy, be as bad as hate? And how can we stop things like this from happening in the future?
The legal case of Kendra Hatcher’s murder is over, but its impact continues. It serves as a sad reminder of how dark human emotions can become.
