Samantha Michele Nance, “Shelley” to friends and family, was a talented student at the Art Institute of Dallas. Sadly, she was taken away from us too soon.

On September 11, 2009, Shelley was found face-planting in a puddle of her own blood in her Dallas Apartment. Daniel Willyam was soon convicted of the murder. Why?

Daniel Willilyam was Shelleys boyfriends roomate. He was motivated by jealousy over Shelley’s relationship with his roommate, Nathan.

Willyam planned the attack, buying hair dye, soap, and gloves beforehand to cover his tracks. He sent Shelley suspicious texts, asking if she was home, likely to plan the best time to strike.

On the day of the murder, Willyam went to Shelley’s apartment and stabbed her 42 times, mostly in the back and neck. He then attempted to clean up the scene and dispose of evidence.

Willyam was quickly caught after investigators pieced together evidence, including security footage of him buying supplies, text messages, witness statements, and a later-found diary of hateful notes about Shelley. “She doesn’t deserve him. “She’s ruining everything. “She’s always in the way. “Nathan will see the truth soon.”

He was arrested, tried, and convicted of Shelley’s murder. He is currently serving a life sentence.

Shelley’s life was cut short, but her memory lives on. In her honor, they have established the Samantha Nance Memorial Scholarship to support young artists. Friends also celebrate her creative spirit through art shows showcasing her own art.