Man sentenced to 30 years in prison in Garland murder of mother of three

A convicted murderer was sentenced to 30 years in jail after pleading guilty to the January 2025 murder of Stephanie Wenneberg in Garland.

Robert Ray Kelley pled guilty to murder and aggravated assault in a Dallas County courtroom, agreeing to a 30-year jail term with the possibility of parole.

Wenneberg was shot in a Garland apartment complex while attempting to protect a friend from Kelley, the friend’s ex. Authorities conducted a months-long manhunt for Kelley before apprehending him.

In court, Wenneberg’s mother, Nancy Savattere, took a slow step forward, accepting the plea deal but ready to confront her daughter’s killer.

Savattere revealed her daily anguish after losing her daughter. Nancy Savattere remarked, “I wake up every day thinking I have to face the world without my daughter.”

She shared with Kelley that his actions had a lasting impact on her family. Mr. Kelly will never comprehend that his reckless behavior has resulted in my family’s permanent loss of my daughter, Stephanie,” said Nancy Savattere.

Savattere stated that Wenneberg’s three sons are struggling to live without their mother.

Wenneberg’s buddy, who requested that her face not be disclosed and was apparently nearly shot herself, also addressed Kelley in court.

“I hate you so much; you ruined our lives, and you took her life for no reason,” Stephanie’s friend said.

The companion could barely contain her rage as she recalled Wenneberg’s last moments.

“I pray you spend your entire life in jail, never come out, and never see me again. You ruined my children’s lives. She died at my home, in my daughter’s arms. “It’s so unfair,” exclaimed the friend.

Judge Andy Chatham accepted Kelly’s guilty plea. The District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the plea agreement.

As Kelly was hauled away, Savattere stated that she will continue to push for responsibility.

Savattere hopes her daughter’s death teaches others about the impact their actions may have on families. That maybe people may modify their methods of behaving,” said Nancy Savattere. “People learn about their acts, which can affect the entire family.”