Overview of She Wanted To Steal Her Victim's Life - The Female Killer On the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted List
This episode continues the Kendra Hatcher murder case, focusing on how Brenda Delgado allegedly orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot out of jealousy after her ex-boyfriend Ricky moved on with Kendra. The story follows the investigation, the role of accomplices Crystal and Christopher Love, Brenda’s addition to the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list, and the eventual convictions and sentencing.
What Happened in the Case
- Victim: Kendra Hatcher, a 35-year-old pediatric dentist in Dallas.
- Alleged mastermind: Brenda Delgado, Ricky’s ex-girlfriend and a dental hygiene student.
- Shooter: Christopher Love, who ultimately confessed to the killing.
- Accomplice and key witness: Crystal, who helped with the plot and later testified for the prosecution.
Brenda allegedly became obsessed after Ricky broke up with her and started dating Kendra. The episode describes her as deeply controlling and stalker-like:
- She monitored Ricky’s messages, email, and location.
- She repeatedly staged “coincidental” run-ins with him.
- She kept close tabs on his relationship with Kendra.
- She allegedly recruited multiple people to hurt or kill Kendra before settling on Christopher Love.
How the Murder Was Carried Out
Crystal’s testimony provided the clearest timeline:
- The day before the murder, Brenda and Crystal stole a temporary license plate to disguise the getaway vehicle.
- On the morning of the killing, they picked up Christopher, ate breakfast, and borrowed Jose’s Jeep.
- Brenda was dropped off at a library to create an alibi while Crystal and Christopher waited near Kendra’s workplace.
- Brenda was later seen at Chili’s, which she used to support her alibi.
- When Kendra left her apartment complex parking garage, Christopher shot her.
- After the murder, the group burned evidence, wiped fingerprints, and swapped vehicles.
- Crystal received $500 for her role and later even took a photo of the cash folded into a heart shape.
Investigation and Evidence
The episode emphasizes how investigators slowly pieced the case together through:
- Jose’s Jeep being tied to the getaway.
- Brenda’s connection to Ricky and her suspicious behavior at the dental office.
- Witnesses who described Brenda’s obsession and controlling behavior.
- Crystal’s eventual plea deal and detailed testimony.
- Detective Barnes’ pressure tactics during interrogations, especially aimed at Brenda’s jealousy and insecurity.
A major turning point came when Crystal agreed to cooperate in exchange for a reduced sentence, telling the full story of the murder plot.
FBI Top 10 Most Wanted and Capture
Brenda was eventually added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list:
- She was one of only a very small number of women ever placed on the list.
- The poster described her as armed and dangerous and offered a $100,000 reward.
She was captured in Mexico by federal agents just two days after being added to the list.
Her extradition took longer because:
- She was a dual citizen.
- Texas initially sought the death penalty, which Mexico opposes.
- Prosecutors ultimately agreed not to pursue death in order to secure her return.
Trial Outcomes and Sentencing
Christopher Love
- Initially confessed, later recanted.
- Was convicted first.
- Received the death penalty.
- Is still on death row.
Crystal
- Took a plea deal.
- Avoided trial by cooperating with prosecutors.
- Received a sentence of 17 to 35 years.
Brenda Delgado
- Went to trial after extradition.
- Her defense strategy was weak, and the jury deliberated for only about 18 minutes.
- She was found guilty of capital murder.
- Because of the extradition agreement, she received life in prison without parole, not death.
Victim Impact and Final Takeaways
Kendra’s family gave powerful statements at sentencing, describing:
- Their grief and anger.
- Kendra’s kindness, intelligence, and promise.
- Their belief that Brenda was the root of the destruction.
The episode closes by remembering Kendra as:
- A high-achieving pediatric dentist.
- A caring, family-oriented person.
- Someone who loved Christmas music, Snoopy, and singing.
- A woman whose future had been full of plans, including marriage and children.
Main Takeaways
- This was a jealousy-driven murder-for-hire case rooted in obsession and control.
- Brenda allegedly tried to replace Kendra’s life with her own fantasy of being with Ricky.
- Crystal’s cooperation was crucial in proving the plot.
- The case ended with Christopher on death row and Brenda serving life without parole.