Lance Herndon was found lifeless after breaking up with a scorned lover.Photo byOxygen Network

Lance Herndon was a 41-year-old computer consulting company owner who worked his way up the ladder in the tech industry. His socialite status became known in Atlanta due to his interactions with local professionals at parties and business-related events. He also associated with politicians, establishing popularity as a notable entrepreneur.

Along with Lance’s successful business and popular socialite status came the attention of women. One woman who stood out was Dionne Andrea Baugh – a MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) executive secretary who thrived in her career and was satisfied with married life and motherhood. She was also highly regarded due to her success at only 27 years old.

Lance had a harem of women, and his lustful escapades were known, but didn’t overshadow nor compromise his professional reputation. Although he went on many dates with multiple women, he had been married only once and basked in his image as a ladies' man. Unfortunately, little did he know that he would cross paths with a jealous, vengeful woman who wanted him all to herself and would go to any length to keep other women away.

The Beginning

Dionne met Lance in the Spring of 1996 and maintained an intimate relationship with him despite her marriage. However, she discovered she was only one of the few women he was dating. Lance refused to settle down after she demanded that he end his other relationships.

Dissatisfied with sharing Lance with other women, Dionne followed him to various locations and kept track of his whereabouts. She caught him on a date with her rival Kathi Collins and was angry that he was cheating.

While unfaithful to her husband, Shaun Nelson, an Air Jamaica pilot, Dionne couldn’t handle Lance’s refusal of commitment. She was jealous that other women were spending time with him but remained arrogant about her deception. Additionally, she lived a double life as an attentive wife and a single woman obsessed over a wealthy man.

Lance grew tired of Dionne’s possessive behavior and could no longer tolerate her jealousy. On the other hand, Dionne knew Lance wasn’t committed to her, which fueled her downward spiral and obsession. Lance filed a restraining order against Dionne and didn’t hesitate to tell his friends about his decision.

Photo byDionne Andrea Baugh/Oxygen Network

Shaun was suspicious about the affair, but Dionne dismissed Lance as a close friend and business mentor. He didn't believe her and his suspicion was confirmed when he saw a new Mercedes parked on their property. The car was a gift from Lance, but it was only one of many expensive items she received from him.

A Scorned Lover's Revenge

On August 9, 1996, Dionne met with Lance hoping to change his mind about the trespassing charge he filed against her. They spent the night together, but the mood turned violent when Dionne attacked Lance. She fled the scene, and no witnesses came forward with claims of unusual noises or activity around Lance’s residence.

After Lance’s office phone went unanswered and his employees reported his absence, his mother visited his Roswell, Georgia home and found him deceased in his bed. She tried to revive him, but her attempts were unsuccessful, and she called the police.

Lance was divorced at the time of his death, but he designated his ex-wife as his primary life insurance beneficiary. Whether Dionne knew about the policy is unknown, but she used Lance's credit card – one of a few she had in her possession.

The Investigation

Dionne continued to live her life while remaining discreet about her involvement with Lance and her whereabouts at the time of his death. However, detectives couldn’t find close friends or family members to confirm a solid alibi that would rule her out as a suspect.

Little did she realize that she left some of her DNA behind in Lance’s apartment, which detectives searched thoroughly for evidence. Strands of long hair and fingerprints were found in Lance's bedroom and collected for forensic analysts to examine.

After detectives gathered enough evidence against Dionne, they arrested her in 1998. Her fingerprints were significant because they were found in Lance's bedroom. However, surprisingly, the detectives never located the blunt object that Dionne used in the attack.

On Trial and Life After Prison

Dionne was unremorseful and appeared unconcerned about the verdict during all three trials. She also wore a stern expression and never acknowledged Lance's family, although she sat only feet away from them in the courtroom.

She was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and received a ten-year sentence. However, she was released in 2011 after serving all of her time. Although her whereabouts were unknown after her parole, she has remained private, choosing to stay out of the spotlight.