NBC’s popular series *Dateline* will delve into the high-profile murder case of Patricia Leigh Mills in its upcoming episode. The broadcast, scheduled to air on March 15, 2024, recounts the tragic events surrounding Mills’ death in a house fire in Goliad, Texas. Her husband, Delbert Mills, was convicted of her murder a decade later and is currently serving a life sentence in a West Texas prison.
The episode draws heavily from the comprehensive coverage provided by the Victoria Advocate, which includes video footage of the verdict and several images from the trial. It features interviews with Mills’ son, John Michael Burdette, who was just six years old when the fire occurred. Burdette managed to escape the flames through a bedroom window while the tragedy unfolded.
Initially ruled an accidental fire by Goliad Fire Marshals, the investigation into Mills’ death took a dramatic turn over the years. The nearly 90-minute episode not only examines the motives behind the crime but also explores the life of Allison Salinas, who married Delbert Mills just six weeks after Patricia’s death. The episode reveals how Salinas began her relationship with Delbert before the fire and highlights her subsequent criminal activities, including fraud and felony solicitation of murder.
After Delbert Mills’ sentencing, Salinas relocated to Illinois, attempting to start anew. Despite her efforts to leave her troubled past behind, she was eventually sentenced to 16 years in prison for solicitation of murder. In a poignant moment featured in the episode, members of the Burdette family express their belief that Salinas’ sentence was “her karma.”
While Delbert Mills maintains his innocence, he has been vocal about his desire to share his side of the story. In an interview with *Dateline* correspondent Andrea Canning, he stated, “The true story is I really don’t know what happened that day.” At the time of the fire, Delbert was at work, and reports indicate that he and Patricia had an argument shortly before he left the house.
In a twist, Salinas initially confessed to a Goliad County Sheriff detective, claiming Delbert had threatened her with the same fate as Patricia. However, she later recanted her confession, complicating the case further. The Burdette family pushed for a more thorough investigation, determined to uncover the truth about Patricia Leigh Mills’ tragic end.
As the episode unfolds, viewers can expect to see shocking revelations, including Delbert Mills’ unexpected shift in blame. The *Dateline* episode titled “IL Murder Plot” promises to provide an in-depth look at this complex case, combining elements of personal tragedy with the quest for justice.
For those interested in true crime and the intricate details surrounding this notorious case, the episode is set to air on NBC at 20:00.
