Serial Killers & Murderous Minds
Episode: Cyberstalking to Contract Killing Pt. 1 with Annie Elise
Date: February 16, 2026
Host(s): Vanessa Richardson & Dr. Tristan Engels with special guest Annie Elise
Episode Overview
This gripping episode dives deep into the chilling true crime case of Brenda Delgado, a seemingly ordinary woman whose heartbreak spiraled into tragic obsession, cyberstalking, and eventually, a contracted murder in Dallas, Texas. Hosts Vanessa Richardson and forensic psychologist Dr. Tristan Engels, joined by true crime expert Annie Elise, unravel the psychological patterns and warning signs that transformed everyday jealousy into a calculated, deadly vendetta. The episode features a seamless blend of storytelling and expert analysis on the psychology of relational obsession, delusional attachment, and manipulation, offering critical insights for both true crime enthusiasts and those interested in criminal psychology.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Brenda Delgado: Background and Aspirations
- Brenda's Early Life: Grew up in Dallas after immigrating from Mexico; driven by ambitions to rise above working-class roots.
- Hardworking and Selective: Maintained multiple jobs, aspired to medical school, and was deliberate about dating for a serious partnership.
- Meeting Ricky: Brenda connects with Dr. Ricardo “Ricky” Paniagua, a successful and appealing dermatology resident. Despite differences in readiness for commitment, Brenda forms an intense attachment.
2. Relationship Imbalance and Psychological Dynamics
- Mismatch in Expectations: Ricky is cautious post-divorce, while Brenda is urgent and future-focused.
“The person who's seeking commitment, in this case Brenda, may interpret the other person's ambiguity as mixed signals or maybe even potential… There's also a risk, though here, of over attachment.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [07:23] - Heightened Pressure: Sociocultural and personal milestones amplify Brenda's sense of urgency and emotional investment.
- Abortion and Denial: Pregnancy, followed by termination, triggers Brenda to idealize a future with Ricky, coping with loss through assurances to herself despite ambiguous reciprocation.
3. Descent Into Obsession and Stalking
- Breakup and Surveillance:
- After Ricky ends the relationship, Brenda begins invasive monitoring: accessing emails, tracking his phone, and surveilling his movements.
- Life Invasion:
“What you're describing is something we would call life invasion and surveillance stalking.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [16:09]
- Orchestrated “Chance” Encounters: Brenda’s surveillance enables her to stage reunions, leading to temporary reconciliation before another, final breakup.
4. Comparison, Jealousy, and Pathological Fixation
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Discovery of Kendra Hatcher: Brenda’s obsession intensifies upon learning Ricky’s new girlfriend is Dr. Kendra Hatcher, a woman who embodies everything Brenda desires—success, poise, and the love of Ricky.
- Jealousy escalates as Kendra becomes not just a rival, but a personal threat to Brenda’s identity and aspirations.
“Comparison plays such a powerful role in jealousy... This turns the breakup from a relational loss into an identity threat because she views Kendra as better than her.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [26:38] -
Obsession Turns Violent:
- Brenda fixates on Kendra as the obstacle to her happiness, morphing heartbreak into violent ideation.
- She openly discusses harming Kendra with friends and acquaintances, seeking assistance to intimidate or hurt her romantic rival.
5. Grooming and Manipulation: The Path to Contract Killing
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Failed Recruitment Attempts: Several friends and acquaintances refuse to assist Brenda, some shocked by her relentless fixation.
“She's looking for people to commiserate with. She wants people to buy into these thoughts with her. That's concerning.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [33:06] -
Exploiting Vulnerability: Brenda sets her sights on Crystal Cortez, a financially struggling, admiring dental office receptionist. Brenda’s calculated generosity cultivates Crystal’s loyalty before she’s propositioned for help in the murder plot for $500.
-
Strategic Escalation:
- Brenda’s approach evolves from desperate and emotional to coldly instrumental—selective, manipulative, and outcome-focused.
“It suggests she became more instrumental... she was able to remain organized, contained, strategic, and adaptive…”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [40:20]
6. The Plan for Murder
- Broader Recruitment: Crystal involves Christopher Love, an experienced criminal, as the hitman. Brenda leverages fabricated cartel connections and promises of cash and drugs to shore up their loyalty.
“Brenda was clearly adapting her strategy to her audience... Her actions are organized, strategic, and goal-directed… It’s an important psychological transition in the case.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [49:07] - Final Preparations: The trio surveils Kendra over several days, carefully planning her murder and orchestrating airtight alibis.
7. The Murder of Kendra Hatcher
- Execution: On September 2, 2015, Crystal and Christopher wait outside Kendra’s apartment building. Christopher fatally shoots Kendra in a parking garage; Brenda is elsewhere, securing her alibi.
- Aftermath: Payment is made; Brenda, convinced the crime is untraceable, brazenly takes Kendra’s purse as a trophy.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Relationship Imbalance:
“When that happens...that can create an imbalance. And that imbalance can cause pressure or disappointment or resilience, resentment on both sides.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [07:23] -
On Surveillance and Life Invasion:
“Each time Brenda checked his accounts or his location, she was likely experiencing temporary relief... Unfortunately, that momentary relief only reinforces the behavior, and then she's back to monitoring his entire life.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [16:50] -
On The Psychology of Comparison:
“Comparison... can distort perception. She starts viewing Kendra as the rival. And when that happens, Kendra's humanity can fade into the background and she can start to feel like a symbol rather than a person.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [26:38] -
On Grooming an Accomplice:
“Brenda groomed her, built up her loyalty and exploited that...In that sense, Crystal wasn't necessarily someone who was inherently violent…this seems more consistent with a combination of admiration, emotional manipulation, financial pressure, and normalization.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [38:59] -
On Strategic Manipulation:
“The Persona shifts depending on what will be most persuasive, most trusted, or most needed in the moment. That's where the manipulation comes in.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels [53:54] -
On Pathological Jealousy:
“Normal or healthy jealousy can be uncomfortable...But pathological jealousy...becomes fixated and consuming. The person can't disengage. Their thoughts become hostile and rigid, and they often begin experiencing feelings of entitlement or even injustice.”
— Dr. Tristan Engels & Annie Elise [43:48–44:29]
Timestamps for Critical Segments
- [02:34] — Annie Elise introduces the case of Brenda Delgado
- [07:23] — Dr. Engels discusses psychological dynamics of attachment and relationship imbalance
- [11:54] — Analysis of coping mechanisms post-abortion
- [16:09] — Introduction of cyberstalking and "life invasion" behaviors
- [26:38] — The psychology of envy and identity threat
- [33:06] — Grievance formation and moral disengagement
- [38:59] — Grooming of Crystal Cortez for the contract killing
- [43:48–45:40] — Difference between normal and pathological jealousy
- [49:07] — Recruitment of Christopher Love and Brenda's social manipulation
- [56:35] — Final preparations for Kendra's murder
- [58:52] — Discussion on criminal group dynamics and risks
- [59:34] — The murder's aftermath and Brenda’s false sense of security
Special Segment: Jealousy vs. Pathological Jealousy
[43:43–45:40]
Discussion between Annie Elise and Dr. Engels about how typical emotional jealousy morphs into something dangerous, with Dr. Engels highlighting key warning signs: obsessive thinking, entitlement, boundary violations, surveillance, and justification for harm.
Conclusion & Lead into Part 2
With Kendra Hatcher’s murder executed, Brenda Delgado remains convinced of her impunity—certain that the removal of her rival will restore her lost future. But as law enforcement pieces together the tangled web of manipulation and rage, her carefully constructed facade begins to unravel. In the next episode, the hosts promise to return with Annie Elise for a final psychological deep-dive and the shocking aftermath.
For listeners:
This episode masterfully blends narrative with forensic psychology, offering powerful lessons about the warning signals of obsessive jealousy, cyberstalking, and manipulation. The hosts maintain a tone that's both empathetic and chillingly analytic—an essential listen for true crime fans and anyone interested in understanding the psychology of the "murderous mind."